MOTIFS AS SEMIOTIC COMMUNICATION IN CALABAR CARNIVAL COSTUME DESIGNS

Abstract

Carnival has become topical in contemporary tourism. It is an integral feature in the repertory of theatre and cultural tourism programmes in various parts of the world. However, carnival costume processions are often misunderstood by many critics, audience members, and culture administrators as mere displays of attire or sheer fashion parades. The objective of this research is to investigate the nature and application of motifs in carnivals using the Calabar Carnival as a paradigm. The study adopted the qualitative research method, using the Participant Observation approach to collect primary data. The data analysis was descriptive and interpretative and framed on the Theory of Semiotics. The study found that motifs are applied in the Calabar Carnival in various forms ranging from realistic to abstract concepts. Furthermore, the motifs are highly communicative and constitute a major medium for making key and strategic statements by the Bands and the carnival organizers. The study concludes that motifs need to be appreciated as indispensable elements of the carnival narrative. Hence, costume designers need to be supported with resources and policies to achieve the carnival target objectives, given the vast potential of carnival and tourism to the socioeconomic development of any nation.