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 consists of inscriptions carved onto turtle shells and animal bones, primarily used for divination and communicating with ancestral spirits. This script represents a critical advancement in the development of written language and is a key artifact in understanding early Chinese civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oracle bone script was primarily used for divination purposes, allowing rulers to seek guidance from ancestors on matters such as warfare, agriculture, and health.
2. The inscriptions often included questions posed to the ancestors, along with the outcomes of the divination process recorded on the bones or shells.
3. Oracle bone script showcases early forms of characters that would later evolve into modern Chinese writing, illustrating the continuity of Chinese linguistic heritage.
4. Many oracle bones have been excavated from sites like Anyang, providing invaluable insights into the political, social, and religious practices of early Chinese civilization.
5. The discovery and study of oracle bone script have helped historians date significant events in Shang history and understand the development of early Chinese society.

Review Questions

• How did oracle bone script function as a tool for governance and decision-making during the Shang Dynasty?
  • Oracle bone script served as an essential tool for governance in the Shang Dynasty by enabling rulers to consult ancestral spirits regarding important decisions. The inscriptions carved onto bones and shells reflected queries about various issues such as military campaigns and agricultural practices. By interpreting these divinations, leaders could make informed choices based on what they believed were messages from their ancestors.
• Discuss the significance of oracle bone script in understanding the social and religious practices of early Chinese civilization.
  • Oracle bone script is significant for understanding early Chinese civilization as it reveals insights into the social hierarchy and religious practices of the Shang Dynasty. The use of divination indicates a strong belief in ancestor worship and the need for divine guidance in leadership. Additionally, the recorded questions and outcomes on oracle bones provide evidence of societal concerns and priorities during this period.
• Evaluate how oracle bone script has influenced modern Chinese writing systems and what this reveals about the continuity of cultural practices in China.
  • Oracle bone script has had a lasting impact on modern Chinese writing systems by laying the foundation for Chinese characters. The evolution from these ancient inscriptions to contemporary forms demonstrates a remarkable continuity in cultural practices across millennia. This connection highlights how ancient traditions have shaped not only language but also identity, illustrating how deeply embedded these early forms of communication are in China's historical narrative.

Related terms

Shang Dynasty:

The Shang Dynasty is the second dynasty of China, known for its advancements in bronze casting, urbanization, and development of a writing system.

Divination: Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown, often through rituals or interpreting signs.

Chinese Characters: Chinese characters are logograms used in the writing of Chinese and some other Asian languages, forming a complex system of writing that evolved from ancient scripts.