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Preferred term

oracle bone script  

Definition

  • The oracle bone script is the earlest known and deciphered form of Chinese writing to date. This script was used during the latter half of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). Most of the oracle bones have been excavated from modern Anyang City in Henan Province, at Yinxu, the ruins of the last capital of the Shang dynasty. The script is carved on animal bones and turtle shells, primarily serving as record of royal divination practices.

Alternative Terms

jiaguwen
Chinese
甲骨文

Source

  • Li, X. 2003. Oracle bone script and its significance. Beijing: China Social Sciences Press.
  • Li, Xueqin. 2007. 'The discovery and study of oracle bones.' Encyclopedia of Chinese History. https://www.encyclopediaofchinesehistory.com
  • Qiu, X. 2000. Chinese writing (G. L. Mattos & J. Norman, Trans.). Berkeley: Society for the Study of Early China and the Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California.

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In other languages

  • 甲骨文

    Chinese

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http://w3id.org/write/thesaurus/oracle_bone_script

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