The Ancestral Landscape: Time, Space, and Community in Late Shang China, CA. 1200-1045 B.C.

It is wonderful to learn from the late professor David Keightley from this writing on the time, space and community in late Shang Dynasty China. On page 12, he pointed out using dog as sacrifice, an ancient ceremony, mentioned in Tao Te Ching and also appeared in Native American rock art in American Southwest. Of interest is the ten day week cycle (p.39), corresponding to Maya calendar? The Wu is a funny symbol for shaman and also appears in American rock art. He paid special attention to wind and the different interpretation. However, he was not the only one in the study of Shang Dynasty on oracle bone scripts. He was the authority on this subject outside China. On the reference, he listed Ontario Royal museum, Hong Kong Chinese University ancient script study group and Hong Kong Museum of history so that readers can follow his lead for further study on this magnificent dawn of civilization. It is an enjoyable learning.