Early Neolithic Ceramic Complex of the Settlement of Mergen 6 in the Lower Ishim: technological aspect

The article presents the results of a study on the technologies making of Early Neolithic ceramics from the settlement of Mergen 6 – a reference site in the development of issues of the Early Neolithic in the forest-steppe zone of the Tobol-Ishim interfluve. Based on morphological characteristics, the researchers divided the ceramic complex of the settlement into four groups – the frst and second groups correspond to the traditions of the Boborykino and Koshkino cultures, the third group includes vessels with sculptural ornamentation as relief bands – the «relief-band» group, the fourth is represented by vessels with mixed ornamental features – «syncretic» group. The study of the ceramic collection was carried out by the author according to the method of A.A. Bobrinsky. The features of ancient potters' skills at the stages of selection of initial plastic raw materials were revealed, as well as composition of molding masses, the surface treatment of products and fring them. Based on the data obtained, the issue of the emergence of pottery technology in the region under consideration is discussed.