What were Chinese Oracle Bones used for?
1 Answer
Jun 21, 2016
Oracle bones were used to divine the future or answers to questions about the future.
Explanation:
Oracle bones were a method of divination practiced during the late Shang dynasty (1200 - 1045 BCE). A question would be inscribed onto a piece of turtle shell or ox bone; common questions include asking about future weather patterns, the health of family members, or the results of military campaigns. After the question had been written, a heated metal rod would be touched to the oracle bone until it cracked. The diviner would then examine the cracks and interpret an answer to the question.
