biostudies-literatureYi Bthe National Basic Research Program of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of China12475https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6713732biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)In recent years, the reconstruction of individual life history by the multi-isotope analysis of different skeletal elements has become an active topic in bioarchaeological field. However, most studies focus on the persons with high social status and none cares for craftsmen with low social status. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis on a human skeleton buried in the Oupan kiln, Anhui, China to recover his osteobiography. The archaeological context and dating result (534-644 cal. AD) indicate that he might be a potter at the kiln during the Sui and early Tang Dynasty, characteristic of low social hierarchy. The osteological investigation suggests that he had abnormal vertebrae related to long-term physical labor. In general, the isotopic data demonstrate that he mainly consScientific reportsOsteobiography of a seventh-century potter at the Oupan kiln, China by osteological and multi-isotope approach.PMC671373241773008Cai BHu YZhang JZhang ZYi BfalseOsteobiography of a seventh-century potter at the Oupan kiln, China by osteological and multi-isotope approach.In recent years, the reconstruction of individual life history by the multi-isotope analysis of different skeletal elements has become an active topic in bioarchaeological field. However, most studies focus on the persons with high social status and none cares for craftsmen with low social status. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis on a human skeleton buried in the Oupan kiln, Anhui, China to recover his osteobiography. The archaeological context and dating result (534-644 cal. AD) indicate that he might be a potter at the kiln during the Sui and early Tang Dynasty, characteristic of low social hierarchy. The osteological investigation suggests that he had abnormal vertebrae related to long-term physical labor. In general, the isotopic data demonstrate that he mainly cons2019-01-01T00:00:00Z2019 Aug2026-05-08T06:21:54.54Z2019-09-24T07:05:07ZS-EPMC67137323146271410.1038/s41598-019-48936-1