What Were Oracle Bones Used For? Divination, Dynasty, and the Dawn of Chinese Writing

Oracle bones, those cracked and inscribed remnants from ancient China, weren’t just archaeological curiosities; they were vital tools for communication with the divine. Primarily, they were used for divination during the late Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE). The Shang elite, particularly the king and his diviners, used oracle bones to seek guidance and answers from their ancestors and deities on a wide range of matters affecting their lives, their kingdom, and their future. These bones hold within them a window into the very soul of a civilization, revealing their concerns, their beliefs, and the nascent stages of their written language.

Delving Deeper: The Oracle Bone Process

The process of using oracle bones was a carefully orchestrated ritual. It involved several key stages:

Preparation of the Bone

The bones themselves were meticulously prepared. Typically, ox scapulae (shoulder blades) and turtle plastrons (the bottom shell) were used. These bones were carefully cleaned, scraped, and thinned to create a surface that would crack predictably. Small hollows or pits were drilled into the reverse side of the bone.

Posing the Question

A diviner would then inscribe a question onto the bone’s surface. These questions, known as propositions, were often phrased as binary options, offering a “yes” or “no” scenario. For example: “Will the king have a good harvest?” or “Should we attack the neighboring tribe?” The questions covered an extraordinary spectrum of topics, from royal hunts and military campaigns to weather forecasts, agricultural prospects, and even the king’s toothaches!

The Heating and Cracking

With the question inscribed, a heated bronze rod was inserted into the prepared hollows on the back of the bone. This caused the bone to crack on the inscribed surface. The pattern of these cracks, known as omens, was then interpreted by the diviner.

Interpretation and Record Keeping

The diviner, acting as an intermediary between the human and divine realms, would analyze the shape and direction of the cracks to determine the answer to the posed question. The interpretation, along with the original question and sometimes even the outcome, was then inscribed onto the bone. This created a permanent record of the divination event. These inscriptions are the foundation of what we now recognize as early Chinese writing.

Beyond Divination: A Window into the Shang World

While divination was the primary function of oracle bones, their significance extends far beyond mere fortune-telling. They provide invaluable insights into various aspects of Shang Dynasty life:

• Political Structure: The questions posed on the bones often reflect the king’s absolute power and his concerns regarding governance, warfare, and maintaining his authority.
• Social Hierarchy: The use of oracle bones was restricted to the elite, reinforcing the social hierarchy and the king’s divine right to rule.
• Religious Beliefs: The bones reveal a complex system of ancestor worship and belief in various deities who controlled natural phenomena and influenced human affairs.
• Daily Life: Questions about agriculture, hunting, and health provide glimpses into the everyday concerns of the Shang people.
• The Development of Writing: Perhaps most significantly, oracle bone inscriptions represent the earliest known form of Chinese writing, providing crucial evidence for the evolution of this complex writing system.

The discovery of oracle bones in the late 19th century revolutionized our understanding of the Shang Dynasty, transforming it from a semi-mythical period into a tangible historical reality. They are not just bones; they are whispers from the past, offering a direct connection to the minds and anxieties of a long-lost civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oracle Bones

Here are some frequently asked questions about oracle bones, providing more context and detail:

1. Where Were Oracle Bones Found?

The vast majority of oracle bones have been discovered at the site of Yinxu, near modern-day Anyang in Henan Province, China. Yinxu was the last capital of the Shang Dynasty.

2. When Were Oracle Bones First Discovered?

While local farmers had likely stumbled upon them before, the scholarly recognition of oracle bones as important historical artifacts began in the late 19th century. The first confirmed discovery and identification were around 1899 by Wang Yirong, a scholar and epigrapher.

3. Who Used Oracle Bones?

Oracle bones were primarily used by the Shang Dynasty elite, including the king, his diviners, and high-ranking officials. Their use was likely restricted to those with the authority and knowledge to interpret the omens.

4. What Materials Were Used for Oracle Bones?

The most common materials were ox scapulae (shoulder blades) and turtle plastrons (bottom shells). Occasionally, other animal bones, such as deer or sheep scapulae, were also used. The choice of material may have been influenced by ritual significance and availability.

5. What Kind of Questions Were Asked on Oracle Bones?

The questions were remarkably diverse, covering virtually every aspect of Shang Dynasty life. Common topics included:

• Agriculture: Crop yields, rainfall, planting seasons
• Warfare: Military campaigns, troop movements, enemy strength
• Hunting: Predicting successful hunts
• Weather: Forecasting rain, wind, and sunshine
• Royal Health: The king’s well-being and ailments
• Rituals and Sacrifices: Proper timing and procedures
• Dreams and Omens: Interpreting supernatural events

6. How Were the Cracks Interpreted?

The interpretation of the cracks was a complex process that likely involved specialized knowledge and training. Diviners would analyze the shape, direction, and pattern of the cracks in relation to the inscribed question. Specific crack formations may have been associated with particular outcomes or responses from the ancestors and deities.

7. What Language is Found on Oracle Bones?

The inscriptions on oracle bones are written in Old Chinese, the earliest known form of Chinese writing. This script is the direct ancestor of modern Chinese characters.

8. How Has the Study of Oracle Bones Contributed to Our Understanding of Chinese History?

The study of oracle bones has been instrumental in:

• Confirming the existence of the Shang Dynasty, which was previously considered by some to be a mythical period.
• Providing a wealth of information about Shang Dynasty politics, society, religion, and daily life.
• Tracing the evolution of Chinese writing from its earliest stages.
• Providing a timeline of Shang kings and events.

9. Are Oracle Bones Still Being Discovered Today?

Yes, new oracle bones are still occasionally discovered at the Yinxu site and other locations. These discoveries continue to add to our knowledge of the Shang Dynasty.

10. What is the Significance of the Oracle Bone Inscriptions for the Development of Chinese Characters?

The oracle bone inscriptions are the earliest known examples of a fully developed Chinese writing system. They demonstrate the presence of a complex system of logographic characters used to record language. Studying these inscriptions allows linguists and historians to trace the evolution of individual characters and understand the principles underlying the development of Chinese writing.

11. How Do Oracle Bones Relate to Chinese Ancestor Worship?

Oracle bones were a key element in Shang Dynasty ancestor worship. The Shang believed that their ancestors possessed supernatural powers and could influence events in the human world. Divination through oracle bones was a way to communicate with these ancestors and seek their guidance and favor.

12. Where Can I See Oracle Bones Today?

Oracle bones are housed in numerous museums and collections around the world. Some notable locations include:

• The National Museum of China (Beijing)
• The Palace Museum (Beijing)
• The Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica (Taipei)
• The British Museum (London)
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)

Examining these artifacts firsthand offers a tangible connection to the ancient world and a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Shang Dynasty.