Question

how do archeologists think oracle bones excavated along the yellow river were used?
○ as a means of communicating with the gods
○ as a medium of trade
○ as an early system of writing and record keeping
○ as works of art to be buried with rulers

Explanation:

Oracle bones from the Yellow River region (Shang Dynasty in China) were primarily used for divination, where inscriptions were made to ask questions to ancestors/gods and interpret the cracks after heating. Option A aligns with this purpose. Option B is incorrect as they weren't used as currency/trade medium. Option C is partially true (they have writing) but the main use was divination (communicating with gods/ancestors), not just record - keeping. Option D is incorrect as they weren't artworks for burial in that context.

Answer:

A. As a means of communicating with the gods