The Role of the Oracle Bones in Chinese Divination

Oracle bones usually ox scapulae or turtle shells represent the earliest known form of Chinese writing and a crucial tool for Shang dynasty divination.

How Divination Worked

Diviners carved questions on topics such as warfare, harvests, and royal births. They then applied heat until cracks formed, interpreting the patterns as messages from ancestral spirits.

Political and Religious Importance

For Shang rulers, divination was essential for decision-making. Oracle bones validated royal authority by reinforcing the ruler’s connection to the ancestors.

Linguistic Legacy

The inscriptions offer the earliest snapshots of Chinese characters, many of which evolved directly into modern forms.

Archaeological Significance

Discovered in the late 1800s, oracle bones have become invaluable in reconstructing early Chinese history.