Essentially, the research methodology of the proposal consists of an intra-site and inter-site analysis, meaning the locating of traces of a specific activity (pottery production) inside settlements and tracing the relationship between different sites (distribution network). Deciphering and analytical interpretation of the process of pottery production will be possible by using a complex interdisciplinary approach, based on methods of investigation widely employed within the modern archaeological research: geophysical survey, elemental and mineralogical analysis, absolute dating, excavation, GIS, ethnographic analogy.

The research will focus on a targeted area and chronological frame, meaning on a selection of Cucuteni B (approx. 3850 – 3600/3500 BCE) sites, for which there is presumption of contemporaneity (it will be verified through 14C dating) and which are located relatively close to each other. The geographic area of study corresponds to the hydrographic basins of the Bahluieț and Valea Oii Rivers (~ 550 km2 , located in the south-east of Moldavian Plain), for which 104 Cucuteni settlements are known (Asăndulesei 2015, 41). Of the total number of settlements mentioned above, 42 sites belong to the Cucuteni B phase, but only 26 are single component sites (with no subsequent occupation). To avoid further confusion, especially regarding the interpretation of magnetic maps and sampling for absolute dating, the initial selection of the targeted sites will focus on the latter. Among the sites to be studied (all within the boundaries of Iași County), we mention Cristești-Cristoaia, Costești-Podișu I, Dumbrăvița-Tarlaua Iezer, Vașcani-Tarlaua Pășcănia, Săcărești-Laiu, Movileni-Marginea de nord-est a satului, Movileni-Hârtopul de la est de sat, Buznea-Dealul Brocea, Buznea-Siliște, Stroești-Pietrărie, Cucuteni-Cetățuia (the phase B extension of the eponymous site), Gura Văii- Dealul Găureana I, Strunga-Calda I, Târgu Frumos-Adâncata. We chose to focus on Cucuteni B settlements, because older and newer archaeological data (Țerna et al. 2019) indicate a higher probability for this phase to capture traces of ceramic production (kilns) within the settlements. We consider that, in this phase, the bicameral kilns for pottery firing are generalized and perfected (Ţerna et al. 2019; Tencariu et al. 2021). These innovations probably appear as following the increased demand for ceramic vessels, which is a direct and logical consequence of a significant population growth, visible in the number and sizes of human settlements during this period (culminating in the Trypillia mega-settlements). Withal, these may be a clue of an increased social stratification and differentiated wealth distribution (new requirements of the elites). The main criterion of subsequent selecting the sites is the availability (in terms of integrity, agricultural activities, land ownership etc.) for archaeological surveys and small-scale excavations. Afterwards the topographic and archaeological cartography methods will be applied, followed by extensive geophysics surveys for identifying traces of production (namely pottery kilns or similar installations).