Oracle bone script

Definition

Oracle bone script is one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing, originating during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). It was used for divination and inscribing questions on bones or turtle shells, which were then heated until they cracked. The resulting cracks were interpreted to provide answers, and the inscriptions marked the earliest known examples of Chinese characters, showcasing a significant step in the evolution of writing in Chinese culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oracle bone script represents one of the oldest forms of written language found in China, dating back over 3,000 years.
2. The inscriptions typically included names of rulers, dates, and specific questions about future events such as weather, harvests, and military endeavors.
3. The technique involved heating the bones or shells until they cracked, and then interpreting these cracks as answers to posed questions.
4. Oracle bones were primarily used by royal diviners and served as an important tool for decision-making in Shang society.
5. Over time, oracle bone script evolved into more standardized forms of writing, leading to the development of later scripts like bronze inscriptions and small seal script.

Review Questions

• How did oracle bone script contribute to our understanding of early Chinese society and its practices?
  • Oracle bone script provides significant insight into early Chinese society, particularly during the Shang Dynasty. The inscriptions reveal not only the questions asked about various aspects of life, such as agriculture and warfare but also reflect the religious beliefs and governance structure of that time. This early form of writing allows historians to understand the social hierarchy and decision-making processes within the royal court.
• Evaluate the importance of oracle bone script in the evolution of Chinese writing systems.
  • Oracle bone script was crucial in the evolution of Chinese writing systems as it marks a transition from primitive symbols to a more structured form of written communication. It laid the foundation for subsequent scripts by introducing logographic elements that would be refined over centuries. The complexities and styles seen in later scripts can be traced back to this initial stage of written language, making it a key milestone in Chinese literary history.
• Analyze how oracle bone script reflects both technological advancements and cultural practices during the Shang Dynasty.
  • Oracle bone script showcases technological advancements through its method of inscription on bones and shells, demonstrating early experimentation with writing tools and materials. Culturally, it reflects practices such as divination which were integral to Shang society; these inscriptions not only served practical purposes but also connected people with their beliefs in fate and the divine. The dual aspects of technology and culture represented in oracle bone script highlight how writing evolved as both a practical tool and a vehicle for spiritual expression in ancient China.

Related terms

Shang Dynasty:

The Shang Dynasty is the earliest dynasty in Chinese history that is supported by archaeological evidence, known for its advances in bronze casting, urban development, and the use of oracle bones.

Divination: Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown, often through rituals or methods such as interpreting cracks on oracle bones.

Chinese characters: Chinese characters are logograms used in the writing of Chinese and several other languages, evolving from earlier scripts like oracle bone script into a complex system that conveys meaning through symbols.