## 1 Introduction  
Ceramic pieces are the most prevalent archaeological artifacts, offering valuable insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of ancient societies. Through the analysis of ceramics, researchers can uncover details about cooking techniques, social structures, decorative styles, and trade networks, providing a window into the past and helping to reconstruct the historical narratives of ancient civilizations [1]. The Neolithic period marked a significant advance in pottery production by using clay and firing techniques to create durable and functional tools. This innovative use of clay and firing techniques helped meet the growing needs of the society at the time, reflecting a practical and technological development that contributed to the progress and sustainability of Neolithic communities [2]. The distribution of ceramics during the Neolithic period has indeed sparked debate among researchers, with studies yielding conflicting results on the role of ceramics as a medium of exchange during this time. While some evidence suggests that ceramics played a significant part in trade and cultural exchange, the presence of contradictory findings in various Neolithic sites raises questions about the true extent of ceramics' role in facilitating exchange and interaction among ancient communities, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of cultural practices in this era [3]. Pottery is indeed a crucial artifact in archaeological studies, offering valuable information about past civilizations. Analyzing pottery can reveal details about cultural practices, trade routes, and social interactions among ancient societies. By studying pottery, archaeologists can offer a better understanding of the lifestyles and historical contexts of different cultural groups, enabling them to piece together a more comprehensive picture of human history [4]. The composition of pottery paste is recognized as a valuable tool in archaeological investigations, providing insights into the sourcing of raw materials, production techniques, and chronological sequences of artifacts. By analyzing the chemical composition of pottery paste, archaeologists can determine patterns of trade, cultural exchange, and technological advancements in ancient societies. This information enhances the interpretation of archaeological finds and helps reconstruct past human activities with a greater accuracy and depth [5]. The Neolithic sites found in the Dudesti area of Oltenia hold high archaeological significance due to the concentration of various sites that span from the early Neolithic to the Eneolithic periods within a limited geographical area. The presence of continuous habitation over time in a compact region offers valuable insights into the cultural evolution, social dynamics, and settlement patterns of ancient populations in the area, providing a rich archaeological record that contributes to our understanding of the broader Neolithic to Eneolithic transitions and cultural developments in this region [6]. The diverse array of Neolithic pottery unearthed in these sites not only offers a treasure trove of information on the materials, techniques, and styles employed in their production over various stages of societal advancement, but also sheds light on the impact of environmental factors and available resources on ceramic craftsmanship. Through a detailed analysis of the materials and technologies utilized in the creation and adornment of these artifacts, archaeologists can gain enhanced insights into the origins, production methods, and cultural affiliations of the pottery, aiding in the nuanced classification and interpretation of ceramic discoveries while also offering a deeper understanding of the socio-economic dynamics and trade networks that may have shaped Neolithic societies in the Dudesti-Oltenia region [4; 7; 8]. The aim of this study is to achieve a complex analysis of ceramic materials originating from the Oltenia region in Romania, specifically from the Middle Neolithic era.