On 23 January 2023, the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Botai” organized an exhibition on the theme "Ботай Ұлы дала мәдениеті" at the House of Culture in the village of Arykbalyk, Aiyrtau District.

Residents of the village and school students took part in the exhibition, where they became acquainted with the unique exhibits of the Botai culture.

Over many years of persistent and meticulous work, Viktor Zeibert not only demonstrated the high level of development of the Botai people, but also made a sensational discovery: a population that roamed the territory of Northern Kazakhstan six thousand years ago domesticated the horse and successfully engaged in its breeding. This overturned the previously existing theory of horse domestication.

On 17 January, members of the “Young Local Historian” tourism and local studies club of the Aiyrtau District Center for Additional Education visited the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Botai.”

School students were told about the discovery, history, and research work of the Botai culture. They were also presented with information about the reconstruction of ancient Botai dwellings and the domestication of wild horses. In addition, ancient tools and weapons used by the Botai people in their daily life were demonstrated.

The “Botai” Museum-Reserve houses various exhibits reflecting the Eneolithic era, among which ceramics are of particular interest.

Today, a reconstructed ceramic vessel made from pottery fragments found at the Botai settlement is presented to your attention. The base of the vessel is rounded; as the bottom is barely defined, the object is unstable. The surface is carefully finished, and on some ceramic vessels various ornaments can be observed. The main decorative motifs include wavy and straight lines, comb patterns, and geometric figures.

The vessel is a type of kitchen utensil; the large amount of soot on its surface indicates that it was used for cooking over an open fire. It was also used for storing milk and kumis.