The Formative Period lasted from 1600-1027 BC and was the era of the first dynasty: the Shang dynasty. During this time, China was not yet an empire even though there was a defined social hierarchy, customs, individual cities etc... The Shang dynasty is known for starting a custom called ancestor veneration (which is the honoring of your ancestors) that is still practiced today. The king did not rule by divine right, but it was believed that their power came from the deity Shangdi, an ancestor of the Shang dynasty. The kings throughout this whole dynasty praised and honoured Shangdi and this eventually became a popular custom for everyone.
This time period is where the first evidence of writing in this area has been found. The people during this time had a strong belief in divination (telling the future). Scribes would carve a question into either tortoise shells or bones of cows called oracle bones. These bones would then be put over a fire until cracks formed. Priests interpreted these cracks as the answer to the question.
This time period is where the first evidence of writing in this area has been found. The people during this time had a strong belief in divination (telling the future). Scribes would carve a question into either tortoise shells or bones of cows called oracle bones. These bones would then be put over a fire until cracks formed. Priests interpreted these cracks as the answer to the question.
Writing was so important during this period that all those who could read and write were given a higher social status. The Chinese word for civilization even means 'to transform by writing'.
Another craft that was valuable at the time was the ability to craft bronze or jade. Bronze was used to create vessels that, like oracle bones, had inscriptions carved into them. Jade is now one of the most recognizable symbols of China.
One aspect of the formative period that separates it from later eras of China as well as other civilizations is the fact that women were just as important in society as men. Daughters were valued just as much as sons were, and children even got their last name from their mother, not their father. Unfortunately, this mindset came to an end. Eventually males in society came to have greater economic contributions, as well as the belief that without a son, you couldn't practice ancestor veneration, brought equality among men and women to an end
The end of the Shang dynasty and the Formative Period came because of the lack of control the kings had over China. In 1027 BC, they were easily overtaken by the Zhou from north-west China .
Another craft that was valuable at the time was the ability to craft bronze or jade. Bronze was used to create vessels that, like oracle bones, had inscriptions carved into them. Jade is now one of the most recognizable symbols of China.
One aspect of the formative period that separates it from later eras of China as well as other civilizations is the fact that women were just as important in society as men. Daughters were valued just as much as sons were, and children even got their last name from their mother, not their father. Unfortunately, this mindset came to an end. Eventually males in society came to have greater economic contributions, as well as the belief that without a son, you couldn't practice ancestor veneration, brought equality among men and women to an end
The end of the Shang dynasty and the Formative Period came because of the lack of control the kings had over China. In 1027 BC, they were easily overtaken by the Zhou from north-west China .