Describes the spontaneous development of symbolic gestures in a normal female infant from 12.5 to 17.5 mo of age. 13 gestures depicting objects, events, and qualities were developed, the majority in the context of structured routines involving adults. 16 additional symbolic gestures were purposefully taught to S by adults. All 29 gestures occurred frequently and were used flexibly to refer to real items and pictures. Combinations of signs with other signs and words were also noted; their initial appearance coincided with the advent of 2-word combinations. Despite the heavy use of symbolic gestures, vocal development was advanced, an indication that gesturing is not necessarily a result or cause of poor vocal skills. Data support H. Werner and B. Kaplan's (1963) contention that sensorimotor behaviors are natural candidates for early labeling. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)