This article examines the morphological and technological characteristics of the ceramic assemblage recovered from the Early Iron Age settlement of Arshaly-2, located in the eastern part of Saryarka (Central Kazakhstan). The study aims to identify the typological composition, manufacturing technology, and functional characteristics of the ceramic vessels, as well as to determine the regional features of pottery-making traditions through comparison with ceramic materials from Saka-period settlements of Central Kazakhstan. The research employs morphological, comparative-typological, and technological analyses based on the methodology developed by A.A. Bobrinsky.

The results demonstrate that the ceramic assemblage from the Arshaly-2 settlement consists predominantly of domestic pottery, including closed jar-shaped vessels and open vessels of the jar-shaped (bank-shaped) type. The study analyzes rim morphology, decorative patterns, raw material composition, paste preparation, and manufacturing techniques. It was established that pottery production primarily relied on sandy clay with the addition of mineral and organic tempers. Technological analysis revealed that most vessels were produced using the hand-building technique by joining individual clay lumps. A comparative analysis of morphological and technological characteristics indicates a close similarity between the Arshaly-2 ceramic assemblage and ceramic materials from Saka-period settlements of Central Kazakhstan. At the same time, several technological features reflect the continuity of local pottery-making traditions and suggest the existence of cultural interactions with neighboring regions.

The results contribute to a better understanding of ceramic production technology, economic and cultural processes, and interregional interactions among the Early Iron Age populations of Saryarka. The ceramic assemblage from the Arshaly-2 settlement represents an important archaeological source for investigating the material culture of the Saka population of Central Kazakhstan, the development of local pottery-making traditions, and the technological practices of ancient communities in the region.