Les aspects de l'interdit chez les Bangwa.

SUMMARY This article shows, through ethnographie data (names and behaviour) recorded at Bangwa, a Bamiléké chieftainry in the Cameroons, the three main aspects running through the idea of taboo in this society. The first aspect, which is represented by the sign *ул, meaning sacred and forbidden, is characterised by a relation of very ambivalent dependency : for example, the chief's wives are the most taboo and the most coveted. The second aspect, designated by the sign СШО7, always implies reference to a third person. Hence the matrimonial settlement, founded on the taboo «not to take a wife for nothing», is guaranteed by the giver of the wife. The third aspect, which includes the taboo on incest, is not named, as for the Bangwa this taboo refers to the impossible : a real mother is unattainable. The end of this article shows that these three aspects can overlap, becoming one and the same taboo. The taboos are therefore an important revelation, making it possible to see contradictory sides of a society.