How did oracle bones work?
Oracle bones were primarily used during the late Shang dynasty (around 1300-1046 BCE) in ancient China for divination and communication with the spiritual realm. Here is how they worked:
1. Bone Selection: Oracle bones were typically made from the scapulae (shoulder blades) of oxen or the plastrons (bottom shells) of turtles. These materials were chosen based on their durability and the belief that they could connect with the spiritual world.
2. Inscription: A diviner or oracle bone practitioner would carve a series of questions or statements onto the bone using a sharp tool. These inscriptions usually included positive or negative binary questions, addressing concerns related to politics, agriculture, weather, warfare, or royal decisions.
3. Heating and Cracking: Once inscribed, the bone was subjected to intense heat, which caused it to crack. These cracks were believed to reveal the answer from the spirits or ancestors. The diviner would interpret the patterns of cracks as either "yes" or "no" responses.
4. Interpretation: The diviner interpreted the cracked patterns based on their religious knowledge and experience. The interpretation process involved comparing the cracks with traditional symbols, cultural beliefs, and historical events. The interpretation could be recorded on the bone as well.
5. Communication with the Spirits: Oracle bone practitioners often combined the cracks with other divination methods like pyromancy (interpreting the shapes formed by burning turtle shells) and scapulimancy (interpreting the bone or crack sounds produced when struck with a metal rod). This combination was believed to facilitate communication with the spiritual realm and provide more detailed answers.
6. Records and Archiving: After the divination session, the oracle bone would be collected and stored in a designated temple or royal palace. The inscriptions allowed the Shang dynasty rulers to maintain records of the questions asked and the responses received, aiding decision-making and historical documentation.
Oracle bones played a crucial role in the political and religious life of the Shang dynasty and are regarded as one of the earliest forms of written communication in China.