Oracle Bone
Pieces of ox scapula or turtle plastron, which were used for pyromancy in ancient China
Real World Example
Oracle bones were ancient tools used in China for divination, where questions about the future were inscribed on ox scapula or turtle shells and then heated until they cracked. The patterns formed by the cracks were interpreted by diviners to predict outcomes, helping leaders make important decisions. These bones are crucial to history because they provide some of the earliest forms of Chinese writing and insights into the culture and beliefs of the Shang Dynasty. Although Ancient India did not use oracle bones, both civilizations valued spiritual guidance, showing how different cultures sought understanding of the unknown. Today, the concept of seeking guidance, like using horoscopes or consulting advisors, reflects a continued human desire to find direction and make informed decisions in life.
