Ceramic dastarkhans

As a result of an archaeological expedition conducted at the medieval settlement of Zhankent, ceramic dastarkhans – the earliest prototypes of the Kazakh dastarkhan – were discovered. They are circular in shape and feature a tall hollow pedestal resembling a bowl at the center of the reverse side. These artifacts are considered rare archaeological finds. There are two hypotheses regarding their use in everyday life. According to the first, the smooth upper surface was intended for serving food and functioned as a ceramic dastarkhan of that period. The second hypothesis suggests that Oghuz women used them during food preparation for rolling out dough, meaning they served the role of a modern dough board. The two ceramic dastarkhans differ in size. The material has a reddish hue and is made in the Oghuz style. The reverse sides of both dastarkhans are decorated with geometric ornaments. The circular shape of the dastarkhan is directly connected with cosmological beliefs.