Oracle Bones

Definition

Oracle bones are pieces of ox scapula or turtle shell that were used in ancient Chinese divination practices during the Shang dynasty, dating back to around 1600-1046 BCE. These bones were inscribed with questions about the future, which were then subjected to heat until they cracked, and the patterns of the cracks were interpreted as answers from ancestors or deities. This practice not only reveals insights into early Chinese beliefs but also serves as one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oracle bones provide some of the oldest examples of Chinese writing, showcasing characters that would evolve into modern Chinese scripts.
2. The inscriptions typically contained questions related to agriculture, warfare, health, and ancestral worship, reflecting the concerns of Shang society.
3. The cracks formed on the bones were interpreted by diviners to offer insight into future events, making oracle bones a crucial tool for decision-making in Shang culture.
4. Archaeological discoveries have revealed thousands of oracle bones, primarily found in Anyang, the last capital of the Shang dynasty.
5. The practice of using oracle bones laid the groundwork for later Chinese divination methods and contributed significantly to the development of Chinese historical records.

Review Questions

• How did oracle bones contribute to our understanding of Shang dynasty society and culture?
  • Oracle bones are vital in understanding Shang dynasty society as they reveal the people's beliefs and concerns. The inscriptions on these bones show that divination was an important aspect of daily life, influencing decisions regarding agriculture, warfare, and health. The questions posed and the answers received through this practice highlight the society's reliance on ancestral worship and their view of the divine's role in human affairs.
• Discuss the significance of oracle bone inscriptions in the development of early Chinese writing.
  • Oracle bone inscriptions are significant as they represent some of the earliest examples of written Chinese language. The characters found on these bones illustrate a transition from pictographic representations to more abstract forms used in later writing systems. This evolution is crucial for understanding how communication and record-keeping developed in ancient China and how these writing practices influenced subsequent dynasties.
• Evaluate the impact of oracle bones on both Shang dynasty governance and religious practices.
  • Oracle bones had a profound impact on Shang governance and religious practices by serving as a means to communicate with ancestors and deities for guidance on crucial matters. This practice not only legitimized decisions made by rulers but also reinforced social hierarchies as those interpreting the cracks held significant power. Furthermore, it created a structured approach to divination that intertwined politics with spirituality, shaping both governance and cultural identity during the Shang dynasty.

Related terms

Divination: A practice used in various cultures to seek knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means, often involving rituals and symbolic objects.

Shang Dynasty: An early Chinese dynasty (circa 1600-1046 BCE) known for its advances in metallurgy, writing, and complex societal structures, and where oracle bone divination originated.

Pictographs: Simple drawings that represent words or ideas, which were a fundamental part of the early Chinese writing system found on oracle bones.