Oracle Bones – The earliest known Chinese writing, used for divination during the Shang Dynasty.
时间: 2024-09-20 06:57:30
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Oracle bones are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries that provide valuable insights into the early Chinese civilization. These bones are the earliest known form of Chinese writing and were used for divination purposes during the Shang Dynasty, which lasted from around 1600 to 1046 BCE. The discovery of oracle bones has greatly enhanced our understanding of ancient Chinese society, culture, and religious practices.
The oracle bones were predominantly made from the shoulder blades of oxen or the plastrons of turtles. These bones were inscribed with characters that were carved or written on the surface. The characters were typically questions posed by the diviner seeking guidance from the spiritual realm. The questions were often related to matters of state, such as the outcome of battles, the success of harvests, or the health of the ruling family.
The divination process involved heating the oracle bones until they cracked, and then interpreting the resulting patterns of cracks to determine the answers from the spiritual world. The cracks were seen as messages from the ancestors or gods, and the diviners, known as "bone readers," were responsible for deciphering these messages.
The inscriptions on the oracle bones provide valuable information about the social, political, and religious aspects of the Shang Dynasty. They offer insights into the beliefs and practices of the ancient Chinese people, including their reverence for ancestors, spirits, and divination. The oracle bone inscriptions also shed light on the early development of Chinese writing, which eventually evolved into the complex system of characters used in modern Chinese script.
The discovery of oracle bones was made in the late 19th century when a Chinese scholar named Wang Yirong noticed inscriptions on pieces of bone and shell that were being sold as "dragon bones" in traditional Chinese medicine shops. Recognizing the significance of these inscriptions, Wang Yirong began to collect and study the oracle bones, leading to a greater understanding of their historical and cultural importance.
Since Wang Yirong's discovery, thousands of oracle bones have been unearthed at various archaeological sites in China, particularly at the ancient Shang capital of Anyang. These inscriptions have provided a wealth of information about the Shang Dynasty, including its rulers, rituals, ceremonies, and daily life.
The oracle bone inscriptions are written in an early form of Chinese script known as "oracle bone script." This script is characterized by its pictographic and logographic nature, with characters representing objects, actions, or abstract concepts. The oracle bone script is the precursor to the modern Chinese writing system and has played a crucial role in the development of Chinese calligraphy and literature.
The oracle bone inscriptions cover a wide range of topics, including divination records, royal decrees, sacrificial rituals, astronomical observations, and historical events. These inscriptions provide a unique glimpse into the political and religious practices of the Shang Dynasty, as well as the daily lives of its people.
One of the most famous oracle bone inscriptions is the "Battle of Mu," which records a military campaign led by King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty. The inscription describes the king's victory over the enemy forces and his praise for the ancestors and spirits who aided him in battle. This inscription not only provides valuable information about the military history of the Shang Dynasty but also reflects the spiritual beliefs and practices of the time.
In addition to historical and religious texts, the oracle bone inscriptions also include records of everyday activities such as hunting, farming, trading, and craftsmanship. These inscriptions offer a comprehensive view of the social and economic life of the Shang Dynasty, providing valuable insights into the daily routines and occupations of its people.
The study of oracle bones has greatly enriched our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization and has helped to unravel the mysteries of the Shang Dynasty. The inscriptions on these bones provide a direct link to the past, allowing us to glimpse into the lives of the people who lived thousands of years ago.
In conclusion, oracle bones are a remarkable archaeological discovery that has revolutionized our understanding of early Chinese writing, culture, and society. The inscriptions on these bones offer a unique window into the world of the Shang Dynasty, shedding light on its history, religion, and daily life. The study of oracle bones continues to be a fascinating field of research, providing new insights into the rich and complex civilization of ancient China.