tortoise shell; ancient divination material
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
tortoise shell; carapace
Specifically refers to the hard dorsal shell of a turtle or tortoise. In historical contexts, it specifically denotes the plastron (the flat underside plate) used in pyromancy.
This species of turtle has beautiful patterns on its shell.
An ancient tortoise shell is on display in the museum.
noun
oracle bone; tortoise plastron used for divination
archaicRefers specifically to the inscribed plastrons used for pyromancy (烧灼占卜) in ancient China, most famously during the Shang (Yin) Dynasty. These artifacts are primary sources for the study of Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文).
A large number of inscribed oracle bones were unearthed at the Yin Ruins.
The records on these oracle bones provide precious materials for understanding the history of the Shang Dynasty.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The shaman would scorch the tortoise shell with hot metal and predict fortune or misfortune based on the cracks.