Arts and Architecture
The Shang were greatly skilled in working with bronze, they used more for art than for weapons. They made lots of pots that had intricate designs and pictures on them. The Shang also invented piece- mold casting, with this they were able to put designs on lots of things like chariot parts, weapons and ritual items. They put designs of "taotie" (animal faces), some archaeologists believe that they represented sacred beliefs or motifs of the Shang, others thought the opposite. The pots they made were used for holding food or drinks and were used in spiritual ceremonies only of kings, gods, deceased ancestors or spirits. The tombs for the kings or royals were also decorated with bronze and had weapons, jewels or stoneware in them. As for weapons, the Shang were the first to make the chariot out of bronze for war. Other than sculptures, the Shang used animal bones, horns and stones to make designs on.