ABSTRACT
The simple structure of the "Neolithic face" pattern lends itself to easy measurement. When mental representation prevails over actual visuo-spatial perception, archaic, globalized, schematized, simple configurations, such as those of the "Neolithic face" can emerge. In Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic art, the human face is also commonly represented with inaccurate spatial ratios, proportions and orientation. The typical "Neolithic face" configuration was depicted in the sacred art of the geographically remote Upper Sepik region of New Guinea as recently as the 1960s when this area was first opened to visitors. "Neolithic faces" in all drawings collected from remote Indonesian and New Guinean enclaves ranged respectively from 57 percent to 60 percent. The differences lie principally in the inaccurate continuity between the forehead and nose of the "Neolithic" patterns, which lack an indication of the root of the nose area between the eyes.
