WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Shang believed that the ancestors could also confer good fortune; the Shang would consult ancestors through oracle bones in order to seek approval for any major decision, and to learn about future success in harvesting, hunting, or battle. It appears that there was belief in the afterlife during the Shang dynasty.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term “oracle bone” refers to ox scapulae (or shoulder blade bones) and tortoiseshells used by Shang rulers for divination.

Detailed explanation-3: -Oracle bones (Chinese: ; pinyin: jiǎgǔ) are pieces of ox scapula and turtle plastron, which were used for pyromancy – a form of divination – in ancient China, mainly during the late Shang dynasty.

Detailed explanation-4: -Questions were written or scratched onto a bone or shell by a shaman or diviner, someone who could communicate with the gods. These bones and shells were then heated until they cracked. The diviner would read the cracks and provide the person with an answer to their question.

Detailed explanation-5: -The unique aspects of the Shang dynasty were its religion and art. Oracle bones and burial tombs were important parts of the Shang religion. Another vital part of the Shang religion was ancestor worship, which was carried out with sacrifices of wine, food, and human sacrifices.