COSTUME AS A BENCHMARK FOR AESTHETICS IN STREET CARNIVALS. AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2018 CALABAR CARNIVAL

Abstract

Costume design is the creative process of producing garments and attires to be worn by performers, in a theatrical production. Carnival costumes are therefore the regalia worn by the participants of a carnival created by the costume designer, specifically for spectacle and glamour. Various Nigerian festivals possess these qualities and the Calabar Carnival is no exception. The 2018 Calabar Carnival exhibits the basic qualities of a large street parade. Sundry scholars have critically examined this carnival. However, only little consideration has been given to the aesthetic dimension of the costumes. Employing Immanuel Kant's theory of Aesthetics, this research explores the use of costume in Calabar Carnival and its significance in respect of culture and the carnival theme. This study uses Gillette's concept of some of the elements and principles of design as a yardstick for an aesthetic analysis of the costume designs: Line, Shape, Colour, Texture, Repetition, Contrast, Variation, Harmony and Balance. The study employs the qualitative method of research, using observation, interviews of some costume designers, dancers and audience members at the carnival and also, content analysis of related books, published journals and electronic articles. This research finds that even though the carnival costumes are visually appealing, deficiencies such as heaviness of costumes, nudity and poor fabric quality were evident.