INTRODUCTION The Shang Dynasty (c. 17 th century BCE–11 th century BCE) holds a vital position in Chinese history, representing a pe- riod of remarkable cultural, social, and technological ad- vancements. Among its many contributions, the literacy of musical instruments—encompassing their creation, usage, and symbolic meanings—provides a unique lens through which to understand the time’s complex social and cultur- al fabric. This research focuses on the preservation of the literacy of musical instruments excavated from the Central Plains of China, the core region of Shang civilization, to ex- plore their historical, cultural, and technological significance and ensure their legacy endures (Xing, 2023; Zhu, 2020). The concept of “literacy” in the context of musical in- struments extends beyond mere functionality to include the knowledge systems and cultural meanings embedded within them. The musical instruments of the Shang Dynasty were not only tools for performance but also artifacts of commu- nication, transmitting the values, beliefs, and practices of the time. Excavated instruments such as bronze bells (zhu), chime stones (qing), and drums reflect the dynasty’s ad- vanced craftsmanship and role in court rituals, spiritual cere- monies, and political governance. Understanding this literacy is crucial for decoding the Shang Dynasty’s worldview and Published by Australian International Academic Centre PTY.LTD. Copyright (c) the author(s). This is an open access article under CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.13n.1p.80 influence on later Chinese civilizations (Hou & Seekhunlio, 2023; Tong, 1983; Du & Liang, 2024). The Shang Dynasty was shrouded in myth for centuries, known primarily through legends and scant historical ac- counts. This began to change in the 20 th century with the dis- covery of oracle bones and artifacts from sites such as Yinxu in Anyang, Henan Province. These discoveries established the Shang Dynasty as a historical reality and revealed a wealth of musical instruments that highlighted the dynasty’s sophisti- cated music culture. The Central Plains region, encompassing present-day Henan Province and adjacent areas, is particularly significant as it was the political and cultural heartland of the Shang Dynasty and the primary source of these archaeological findings (Yan et al., 2021; Lu et al., 2019). This research focuses on the preservation of the litera- cy of these musical instruments and their role as carriers of knowledge across generations. Furthermore, it explores how these instruments influenced subsequent music traditions and contributed to the development of Chinese musicology. By focusing on the preservation of the literacy of musical in- struments from the Shang Dynasty, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural legacy of the Central Plains region. International Journal of Education & Literacy Studies ISSN: 2202-9478 www.ijels.aiac.org.au ABSTRACT This study investigates the preservation of the literacy of musical instruments from the Shang Dynasty, emphasizing their cultural, ritual, and political significance in the Central Plains of ancient China. Excavated instruments such as xuns, qings, yongs, and bronze bells offer profound insights into the dynasty’s advanced craftsmanship, hierarchical social structure, and the integration of music into religious and political practices. Archaeological sites, including Yinxu, Liulige, Subutun, and Qianzhaodacun, highlight the geographic diversity and cultural exchange inherent in Shang musical traditions. These instruments embody cultural literacy through their ritualistic use, political literacy in their association with social stratification, and technological literacy in their sophisticated design and metallurgical techniques. Their preservation ensures that the knowledge systems and societal values embedded within these instruments remain accessible for future research. The preservation of these artifacts is essential to safeguarding the literacy they carry about Shang society’s values, beliefs, and innovations. By addressing challenges in conservation and ensuring their accessibility for future study, these instruments continue to enrich our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization and its enduring influence. Key words: Shang Dynasty, Literacy Of Musical Instruments, Preservation, Cultural Literacy, Central Plains Preservation of the Literacy of Musical Instruments from the Shang Dynasty of the Central Plains in China Wenran Wang, Arsenio Nicolas*, Awirut Thotham College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Thailand Corresponding author: Arsenio Nicolas, E-mail: sennicolas@gmail.com ARTICLE INFO Article history Received: September 21, 2024 Accepted: December 29, 2024 Published: January 31, 2025 Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Conflicts of interest: None Funding: None