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.
