Non-destructive neutron structural studies of ancient ceramic fragments of the cultural heritage of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The structural features of ancient ceramic fragments dating from various historical ages of ancient cultural groups inhabiting the territory of modern Kazakhstan were studied using optical microscopy, neutron diffraction, neutron tomography, and Raman spectroscopy methods. Fragments of ancient pottery were selected from the collection of ancient remains from archaeological excavations near Zaysan district of East Kazakhstan region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The phase analysis of the studied ceramics fragments was performed. Phases of feldspar, quartz and mica as additional additives for the manufacture of ancient pottery were observed. Minor phases of graphite, anatase, and calcite were detected. Structural features and spatial distribution of components inside the volume of ceramic fragments were studied. In some pottery fragments, organic additives, possibly of vegetable origin, were found. According to the obtained structural data, the specific features of ceramic manufacturing, as well as the processes of temperature annealing of pottery pieces are discussed.