Semiology study on Zhanjiang Nuo dance mask in Guangdong

Zhanjiang Nuo dance is one of the oldest and most vital Intangible Cultural Heritage in Zhanjiang area. The Nuo dance mask is the most representative part and expression form of Zhanjiang Nuo dance, and is also a kind of costume full of cultural symbolism. Through field investigation of Nuo dances in typical areas of Mazhang and Leizhou, this paper combined system construction methods and relevant theories of semiology to especially analyze the signifier and signified of Zhanjiang Nuo dance masks. The study shows that the Nuo dance masks in Zhanjiang area have the symbolic symbol of respecting thunder and metaphorical "divinity". In addition, Che and Mai Nuo dance masks are totally different in shape, which has the characteristics of clan culture, reflecting the multi-cultural characteristics and cultural compatibility of Zhanjiang Nuo dance.