A deffufa is a type of ancient African structure, typically found in Nubian culture, made of mud brick and used for religious or ceremonial purposes. It often served as a place for rituals, gatherings, or as a type of temple.
The deffufa. The Western Deffufa is 50 by 25 metres and 18 metres tall with three stories, surrounded by a boundary wall. There are two smaller ones.
Archaeological evidence, including human remains found in sacrificial contexts and inscriptions referencing human sacrifice, suggest that human sacrifice was practiced at Kerma. Excavations at the Deffufa temple complex have revealed evidence of sacrificial rituals involving both animals and humans, indicating the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Kerma civilization.