Oracle Bones

What dynasty were the oracle bones introduced?

• Han

• Qin

• Shang

• Tang

What was the purpose of the oracle bones?

• Nobody knows their purpose

• To drink and eat from

• For decoration

• To write down questions about the future (about war, family, sickness, etc.)

What would the oracle bones later be known by?

• Dragon Bones

• Pottery

• Silk

• Calligraphy

What items did they write on?

• Animal Bones

• Silk

• Turtle Shells

• Paper

• Human remains

What was the purpose of Dragon Bones?

• To cure illness and injuries

• For cooking

• To hold items

• A carpet mat

How did the people get answers from the bones?

• The person would hide the message until around 10 years have passed. They will have to find the bone again to see it their question was answered.

• Their gods would turn into their human form and answer their question in person.

• A person of hierarchy would make up an answer that could please the person asking the question.

• It would be placed on top of a fire until it begins to crack. A type of interpreter would them read the message.