‘Oracles, Omens and Answers’ opens at Bodleian, curated by Wolfson Fellow

David Zeitlyn, Wolfson Supernumerary Fellow and Professor of Social Anthropology, is the co-curator of a new exhibition that opened at the Bodleian Libraries on Friday (6th December).

Drawing on material from across time and cultures – from oracle bones from Shang Dynasty China (ca. 1250-1050 B.C.E.) to an autobiography of Ronald Reagan’s White House astrologer – Oracles, Omens and Answers will explore the different techniques humans have used to unveil the past, understand the present and predict the future.

From palm reading and astrology to weather and public health forecasting, see how societies have turned to divination to ask questions that resonate with us today: on health, relationships, money and politics.

The exhibition has been extensively covered in national media – you can read more here.

Step into the world of divination and uncover the ways that humanity has tried to confront the unknown and uncertain.

The exhibition will be open until the end of April 2025, with free entry to all.