The Legendary Spirit-Channeling Tortoise Shell

Plastron. Divination using turtle shells involves a mysterious system of metaphors.

Turtle plastrons and ox scapulas

In early Shang sites in Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and other places, archaeologists have discovered a small number of divinatory turtle shells. The so-called "spirit turtle" concept, which likely viewed turtles as spiritual conduits, seems to have already emerged at this time. After King Wu Ding, the increase in divinatory shells may be related to the establishment of trade routes with Jingchu, through which turtle shells were continuously supplied from the south.

Plastron

During the Shang Dynasty, most divinatory turtle shells used were plastrons, but carapaces or modified carapaces were also utilized.

The Zhou Li (Rites of Zhou) commentary states: "Divination uses the plastron of the turtle." In the Records of the Grand Historian - Treatise on Tortoises and Divination Sticks, it is written: "The Grand Diviner selects the lower bone on auspicious days." These basically reflect the actual practices of ancient people when using turtles...