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.

Detailed explanation-2: -oracle bones: ox bones or tortoiseshells used by shamans of the Shang dynasty to write requests on them to royal ancestor spirits, asking for guidance on important events or information about the future.

Detailed explanation-3: -Ancient Chinese priests commonly used tortoise shells and cattle bones to answer questions about the future. They interpreted the cracks formed by holes punched in the bones. Oracle bones also served as a way for the priests to write down the history of the dynasty and the timeline of kings.

Detailed explanation-4: -A fortune-teller would carve (later, paint) symbols on the bones of the ox or the turtle shell, apply a hot poker or fire until the bone or shell cracked, and then interpret the direction of the crack through their drawing to predict the future.

Detailed explanation-5: -The oracle bones were used in divination practices during the Shang dynasty. The Shang people believed that they could communicate with their ancestors through the bones. They would ask questions about the future, such as whether a crop would be successful or whether a battle would be won.