Some Comments on Zhouyuan Oracle-Bone Inscriptions: A Response to Edward L. Shaughnessy

There is no doubt that the discovery of the Zhouyuan oracle-bone inscriptions Is one of the most important achievements in recent Chinese archaeological work. It not only enables oracle-bone inscription research to develop a new branch but it provides sources for studying the history and culture of the early Zhou, even before they conquered the Shang empire. Consequently, as soon as they were found, the Zhouyuan oracle-bone inscriptions came under observation by scholars at home and abroad. Present research, however, has not yet reached a mature stage. Different views exist on quite a few questions. It is obvious that more research and discussion about the Zhouyuan oracle-bone inscriptions is still necessary.