Oracle Bone Script
Oracle bone script is an ancient form of Chinese writing used primarily during the Shang dynasty (around 1600-1046 BCE). It was inscribed on turtle shells and animal bones, serving as a medium for divination—rituals where questions about the future were carved onto the bones, and the cracks formed during heating were interpreted by diviners. This script is one of the earliest known forms of Chinese writing and provides valuable insights into early Chinese history, culture, and language. It represents a significant step in the development of Chinese characters, which have evolved into the complex writing system used today.
Additional Insights
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Oracle Bone Script is one of the earliest forms of Chinese writing, dating back to around 1200 BCE during the Shang Dynasty. It was primarily used for divination, inscribed on animal bones and turtle shells, where questions about the future were carved before heating them to produce cracks, which were then interpreted. The characters in Oracle Bone Script are the precursors to modern Chinese characters, capturing both ritualistic and practical aspects of early Chinese society. This script provides valuable insights into the culture, beliefs, and language of ancient China and is considered a pivotal development in human writing systems.