A Nubian culture that emerged in the early third millennium, the Kingdom of Kerma has retained in a rather lively fashion certain traditions of the pastoral societies that preceded it, notably the tight relationship between man and cattle. Evidence is plentiful and shows that cattle not only played an economic role, but also served a social function. Cattle have been depicted as small igurines discov- ered in the ancient city of Kerma (Ferrero 1984) or painted on murals decorating one of the large funerary chapels of the Eastern Cemetery (Bonnet 2000). More spectacular, however, is their use in funerary rituals, where thousands of bucrania were placed in front of burials. During all phases of the Kerma culture, domestic animals have played an essential role in the economy (Chaix, Grant, 1992). he study of numerous remains found in the kingdom’s capital shows the importance of livestock, which represent more than 95 % of the fauna (Chaix 1994). Hunting activities were rare, with only scarce remains of gazelles, hippopotami and small game of various sorts. he meat diet of the Kerma people was essentially based on cattle (Bos taurus L.) and caprines, sheep (Ovis aries L.) and goat (Capra hircus L.). Some donkeys were also eaten. Cattle represent around 50% of stock breeding, while caprines form 44%. hese proportions changed as the Kerma culture developed (2450-1480 BC). From 1750 BC onward, a strong increase of domestic caprines is noted, cattle becoming more rare and precious during the Ker- ma classique period (Chaix 1994). he decrease of oxen is probably due to the more arid environmental conditions of the second millennium BC. Louis Chaix, Jérôme Dubosson, Matthieu Honegger Bucrania from the Eastern Cemetery at Kerma (Su- dan) and the Practice of Cattle Horn Deformation Prehistory of Northeastern Africa Studies in African Archaeology 10 Poznań Archaeological Museum 2012