Shang
- Scope note
- Refers to the culture, style, and period of the first Chinese dynasty of which we have certain knowledge, both archaeological and historical. The Shang ruled from ca. 1600 BCE to ca. 1050 BCE and their culture was centered on the Yellow River plain although their power extended at times over modern northern Henan province and parts of modern Shandong, Shanxi, and Shaanxi provinces. This period is notable for its advances in bronzeworking and other technologies, all of which led to a higher level of civilization. The Shang had large armies with a wide variety of weapons and armor. Bronze was also used for ritual objects such as bells and stands. Decoration on Shang bronzes was highly schematic with the 'taotie' animal mask a preferred motif. Shang religion and ancestor worship featured the use of so-called oracle bones (jiagu), inscribed animal bones and tortoise shells. Nearly 100,000 oracle bones have been uncovered since scholars recognized their significance. Oracle bones are the oldest form of Chinese historiography, establishing a list of kings in agreement with later written histories. The Shang writing system was quite sophisticated; some Shang characters are still in use today. Shang pottery came in a variety of colors and was wheelmade or coiled, often featuring impressed patterns. The earliest known Chinese glazes were made in the Shang period. Marble and limestone sculptures of both real and mythical creatures have been found. Shang urban settlements have shown that the basic forms of Chinese architecture already existed; noteworthy settlements include those at Erlitou, Zhengzhou, and Yin (at modern Anyang), all of which served as the capital at different times. The late Shang rulers were hedonistic builders of luxurious palaces. The Zhou, a more warlike people who effectively used the chariot, succeeded the Shang.
- Date of creation: 22-Apr-2024
Accepted term: 22-Apr-2024 
