WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Shang people used oracle bones to communicate with ancestors and deities, who were believed to have the power to bestow fortune, disasters and guidance on the living world. At the royal court, the oracle bones divination was carried out by trusted ‘diviners’ or by the king and other members of the royal family.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -One of the ways Shang kings communicated with their ancestors was by writing questions on shells and bones.

Detailed explanation-4: -The term “oracle bone” refers to ox scapulae (or shoulder blade bones) and tortoiseshells used by Shang rulers for divination. Oracle bones were said to offer a conduit to the spirits of royal ancestors, legendary figures from the past, nature deities, and other powerful spirits.

Detailed explanation-5: -Oracle bones were pieces of oxen shoulder bones (scapula) or the underside of turtle shells (plastrons) used by the civilization of the Shang Dynasty in ancient China around 1600-1046 BCE. Oracle bones were used to inquire of oracles for answers to relevant questions of the day.