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The Discovery of Oracle Bones
- Oracle bones, discovered in China over a century ago, were initially a mystery. Later, historians determined that the inscriptions on them were questions, revealing their creators and age.
- These artifacts, approximately 3,500 years old, confirmed the existence of the Shang dynasty. Most were found in Yinxu, the Shang city near present-day Anyang.
How Were They Made?
- Oracle bones were crafted from ox bones or turtle shells. They were smoothed and scraped for ease of writing, with holes drilled into them. Shang kings and priests, known as diviners, inscribed questions for the gods on topics like weather, dynastic prospects, or military success using sharp tools.
- A heated metal rod was applied to create cracks in the bone or shell. Diviners interpreted these cracks and recorded the gods' responses on the same surface.
What Can They Tell Us About the Shang Dynasty?
- The inscriptions on oracle bones represent the earliest known Chinese writing, utilizing around 5,000 characters.
- They provide insights into Shang dynasty rulers, weather patterns, warfare, agriculture, births, deaths, and even specific ailments like a royal toothache.
- Most oracle bones are linked to the final nine kings of the Shang dynasty.
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FAQs on What are oracle bones? - History for Year 6
| 1. What are oracle bones and what was their purpose in ancient China? |  |
Ans. Oracle bones are pieces of bone or shell, typically from oxen or turtles, that were used during the Shang dynasty in ancient China for divination purposes. The bones were inscribed with questions about the future, and then heated until they cracked. The patterns of the cracks were interpreted by diviners to provide answers or guidance on various matters, such as agriculture, warfare, and health.
| 2. How were oracle bones used in the practice of divination? | |
Ans. In the practice of divination, a diviner would inscribe a question onto the surface of an oracle bone. After preparing the bone, it would be subjected to intense heat, often through the application of hot metal rods. The resulting cracks would then be analyzed. Each crack was interpreted to predict outcomes or provide answers to the posed questions, allowing the Shang rulers to make informed decisions based on these interpretations.
| 3. What do the inscriptions on oracle bones tell us about ancient Chinese society? | |
Ans. The inscriptions on oracle bones provide valuable insights into the beliefs, concerns, and daily life of ancient Chinese society during the Shang dynasty. They reveal information about political affairs, social structure, religious practices, and agricultural activities. Additionally, the content of the inscriptions shows the importance of ancestors and deities in decision-making processes, highlighting the role of divination in governance and societal norms.
| 4. When were oracle bones first discovered and how did this impact historical studies? | |
Ans. Oracle bones were first discovered in the late 19th century, specifically in the 1890s, when they were found in the area of Anyang, which was the site of the last Shang dynasty capital. The discovery of these artifacts significantly impacted historical studies by providing the earliest known form of Chinese writing, allowing historians and archaeologists to better understand the Shang dynasty's culture, language, and history.
| 5. What is the significance of oracle bones in the study of ancient Chinese writing? | |
Ans. Oracle bones are considered one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing, dating back to the Shang dynasty. The inscriptions on these bones represent the development of written language in China and are crucial for understanding the evolution of Chinese characters. They provide a direct link to the linguistic and cultural heritage of China, making them a vital resource for scholars studying the history of writing systems and early Chinese civilization.
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Oct 17, 2025
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