(It would often crack in the shape of 卜, which became the Chinese character meaning divination.) The interpretations, which were also recorded on the shell, would give direction to the nation's policies. This went on every day during the rule of 12 kings, and the custom was practiced as late as the Han dynasty.
執事者再視其紋路、為君王解釋吉凶，作為施政、行事方針，並在龜板上加以記錄，殷商十二個帝王日日如此，直到漢代也還存在這樣的風俗。