Why Is Oracle Bones Important In Chinese Culture

Oracle Bones Oracle Bones were used for pyromancy, a branch of divination that has become a characteristic of ancient China, particularly the Shang dynasty. Pyromancy means divination by fire and comes from the Greek words ‘pyros’ meaning fire and ‘manteia’ meaning divination.
Although historical records show their use around the world. Oracle bones are most commonly known for their use during the late Shang Dynasty [1600-1050 BC], they were usually made from an ox’s shoulder blade (scalpula) or the flat underside of a turtle’s shell (plastron).
In preparation for a divining, the bone or shell was cleaned and removed of any meat. Then the bone or shell was anointed with blood and in the company of a diviner, the king or noble would inscribe a question or matter of concern. Next, they would press the end of a hot metal rod against the bone or shell. The diviner would interpret what the cracks that appeared meant.
“There are three main qualities that grant Chinese oracle-bone inscriptions unique value. First, they played an irreplaceable role in the building of Chinese written language. . . . .”
As well as this, oracle bones are priceless historical records of the Shang Dynasty as they were used in the royal court and determined many important events in China’s history.
Chinese oracle bone inscriptions, along with Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Sumerian cuneiform are some of the oldest written characters in