The results of a series of Gesell tests on African infants and children are presented. The most remarkable finding was the precocity of the younger infants. The motor development was greatly in advance of that of European infants of the same age, but was not an isolated phenomenon; it was paralleled by advanced adaptivity, language and personal-social behaviour. The precocity was usually lost in the third year, but was retained by some children who had the advantages of a kinderganten. The results of the Gesell tests were confirmed by a study of newborn African infants, whose state of development was also precocious by European standards. The findings are discussed in relation to some details of the African environment, and especially to some local customs which may affect early development. Emphasis is placed on the potential value of finding means by which the early precocity could be maintained.