On what did Shang priests write questions for the gods?

Shang priests wrote questions for the gods on oracle bones.

Oracle bones were the shoulder blades or turtle shells of animals, typically oxen, that were used by the Shang dynasty priests in ancient China. These bones were considered sacred and were used for divination, a practice of seeking guidance or knowledge from the spiritual realm. The Shang priests would carve questions onto the surface of the bones, such as inquiries about the future, harvests, weather, or matters of state.

Once the questions were inscribed, the bones were heated until they cracked. The priests believed that the pattern of cracks formed in response to their questions, revealing the will of the gods. The cracks were then interpreted by the priests, who would provide answers and guidance based on the divination.

This practice of divination using oracle bones was an important part of the religious and political ceremonies of the Shang dynasty. It allowed the priests to communicate with the deities, seek their counsel, and make decisions based on the divine guidance. The inscriptions on the oracle bones also provide valuable historical and cultural insights into the beliefs, rituals, and daily life of the ancient Shang civilization.