Oracle bone script

Definition

Oracle bone script is one of the earliest known forms of Chinese writing, dating back to the Shang Dynasty, primarily used for divination and record-keeping. This script was inscribed on turtle shells and the bones of animals, serving as a critical method for communicating with ancestors and deities. The use of oracle bones highlights the intersection of language, religion, and governance in Shang society, reflecting their beliefs and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oracle bone script is considered the oldest form of Chinese writing that has been discovered, providing invaluable insight into early Chinese civilization.
2. The inscriptions often included questions posed to ancestors or deities about matters such as harvests, military campaigns, and health.
3. Over 4,000 individual characters have been identified in oracle bone script, many of which are precursors to modern Chinese characters.
4. The bones and shells used for oracle bones were heated until they cracked; the patterns created were interpreted by diviners to provide answers to the posed questions.
5. Oracle bones were an important part of the Shang Dynasty's religious practices, reflecting their belief in ancestor worship and the importance of divine guidance.

Review Questions

• How did oracle bone script contribute to our understanding of Shang society's beliefs and governance?
  • Oracle bone script offers a unique window into Shang society by revealing their practices related to divination and ancestor worship. The inscriptions demonstrate how the Shang rulers consulted deities about significant decisions such as warfare and agriculture, highlighting the integration of religious belief with political governance. This duality underscores the importance of spiritual authority in legitimizing rulers and shaping societal norms during the Shang Dynasty.
• In what ways does oracle bone script illustrate the technological advancements of the Shang Dynasty?
  • The creation of oracle bone script reflects notable technological advancements in both writing and metallurgy during the Shang Dynasty. The ability to inscribe complex characters onto hard materials like bones demonstrates an understanding of both linguistics and the tools required for carving. Additionally, this period saw significant developments in bronze technology, which not only influenced daily life but also allowed for improved tools that may have facilitated the production of oracle bones.
• Evaluate the significance of oracle bone script in relation to later developments in Chinese writing systems.
  • Oracle bone script holds critical significance as it laid the foundation for later Chinese writing systems, influencing the evolution of characters used throughout Chinese history. Its complex structure and use in recording historical events established a precedent for written language in governance, literature, and record-keeping. The transition from oracle bone script to later forms like seal script exemplifies how early innovations shaped communication methods that persisted for millennia, impacting both culture and administration in China.

Related terms

Divination:

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown, often involving rituals or the interpretation of omens.

Shang Dynasty:

The second dynasty in Chinese history, ruling from around 1600 to 1046 BCE, known for its advances in bronze technology and the development of writing.

Bronze Technology: The process of creating tools and vessels from bronze, which was a significant advancement during the Shang Dynasty that demonstrated their metalworking skills.