Assessing the Denotation and Connotation in Traditional Motifs of the Murut Ethnic Group

Abstract

The Murut ethnic group is one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah. They are known to use symbolic motifs to decorate their handicraft and traditional attires. The denotative and connotative meanings have been adapted into the motifs based on their experience and environment. In the effort of preserving the motifs through application in both traditional and non-traditional medium, the message or theme visually communicated to the viewers through the motifs has to be carefully regarded to avoid misinterpretations. This study aims to evaluate the viewers’ comprehension of the denotation and connotation conveyed in select traditional Murut motifs. This study uses a mixed-method approach through the usage of unstructured interviews with elders and representatives of the Murut ethnic group; as well as questionnaires testing 55 individuals with backgrounds in art and design, of their comprehension of the denotative and connotative meanings of select Murut motifs. Through the interviews, the researchers concluded that the Murut community is, right now, focusing more on preserving the form of the motifs in its traditional medium with less focus on the denotative and connotative meanings. The results of the questionnaires suggested a more favourable recognition towards the anthropomorphic motifs compared to zoomorphic, phytomorphic and tool-based motifs.