The Western Deffufa, located in pre historic city of Kerma, Sudan, is a temple dating back 4,000 years ago. It is considered the oldest man made structure in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rising about 65 feet (20 meters) high, it was built entirely from sun-dried mudbricks. Inside, the structure consists of a series of chambers and courtyards, thought to have been used for religious activities, rituals, and ceremonies central to the Kerma civilization. The word "Deffufa" comes from the Nubian language, referring to buildings made of mudbrick, which were common Kerma’s architectural style.
The Western Deffufa has been the focus of significant archaeological interest since its discovery in the early 20th century. Excavations led by Charles Bonnet and his team have revealed much of the site's layout and have uncovered numerous artifacts, including pottery, religious icons, and tools, all of which offer insight into the daily and spiritual life of the Kerma civilization.
References
- "Features - A Nubian Kingdom Rises - Archaeology Magazine - September/October 2020". Archaeology Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- Manzo, Andrea; Kendall, Timothy (2000). "Kerma and the Kingdom of Kush, 2500-1500 B.C.: The Archaeological Discovery of an Ancient Nubian Empire". African Arts. 33 (2): 16. doi:10.2307/3337772. ISSN 0001-9933. JSTOR 3337772.
- Trigger, Bruce G. (1976). "Kerma: The Rise of an African Civilization". The International Journal of African Historical Studies. 9 (1): 1–21. doi:10.2307/217388. ISSN 0361-7882. JSTOR 217388.
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