Prophetic Tortoises: Divination and Augmented Reality Through Time and Space Artwork

Of the Earth 本土

Of the Earth is a podcast created by Cortney Chaffin and Ellen Larson, two art historians who have dedicated themselves to the study of over 5,000 years of material culture from China. The program’s title comes from the Chinese word 本土 (bentu), meaning “native soil.” In each episode, Of the Earth digs into a wide range of topics, introducing listeners to the many connections, complexities, and contradictions of Chinese art and culture, across time and space.

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Of the Earth 本土

Prophetic Tortoises: Divination and Augmented Reality Through Time and Space

September 06, 2021 • Cortney Chaffin & Ellen Larson • Season 1 • Episode 3

In this episode, Cortney & Ellen dig into one of the earliest existing records of writing found anywhere in the world. Once believed to be dragon bones, these objects have evoked fascinating, even controversial links between the past and the present. So settle in as we discuss prophetic tortoises.

Show notes:

Curious about King Wu Ding's favorite wife General Fu Hao? Check out Cortney's essay on Smarthistory.org to learn about Fu Hao's many roles in Shang society and the discovery of her tomb at the last Shang dynasty capital at Anyang, in Henan Province.

Want to hang out with Little Li and his flying turtles in your backyard? Experience Cao Fei's AR works for yourself. Download the app at Acute Art.

Finally, a special announcement for our followers! Between now and the end of September, we are accepting pre-orders for a limited run of super exclusive T-Shirts. Here’s your chance to show off your love for everyone’s favorite mercury sipping immortalized mummy! (Check out Episode 2 if you have no idea what we’re talking about.) These shirts feature the text “Ride or Lady Dai,” printed over a dragon included on Lady Dai’s original funeral banner! Proceeds from T-Shirt sales will be donated to the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund, an organization that supports civic participation and protections within AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) communities. Visit the link in our @oftheearthpodcast Instagram bio for more information about ordering and payment procedures. Check out our grid for pictures of this adorable shirt!

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