nonliterate

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

nonliterate
    adj 1: used of a society that has not developed writing [syn:
           {preliterate}, {nonliterate}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

nonliterate \nonliterate\ adj.
   not using a writing system; -- of societies, cultures, or
   tribes. [Narrower terms: {uncivilized (vs. civilized)}]

   Syn: preliterate.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]