Chinese oracle bones are ancient artifacts used in divination during the late Shang dynasty, around 1600 to 1046 BCE. These bones, typically from tortoises or cattle, were inscribed with questions about the future, such as harvests or military endeavors. The process involved heating the bones until they cracked, and the patterns of the cracks were interpreted by diviners. The inscriptions on oracle bones are among the earliest forms of Chinese writing, providing valuable insights into early Chinese culture, religion, and governance. They are crucial for understanding the development of the Chinese language and the historical context of the Shang dynasty.