Decoding history's bones

The bones were used for fortunetelling, as well as recording and composing the earliest-known formal writing system in China. In 2017, the inscriptions were listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register program.

According to the exhibition's curator Zhang Xia, Tianjin Museum houses more than 1,700 oracle bones spanning the late Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) from collectors who played significant roles in obtaining them during the turbulent 20th century.

The 36 bones on display are carefully chosen from the large collection, all directly related to King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty, describing his sacrifice, war, farming and husbandry, officials and consorts.