Who were the slaves in the Shang Dynasty?

In the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) of ancient China, slaves primarily consisted of war captives, criminals, and individuals who had fallen into debt. These slaves were often used for labor, agricultural work, and domestic service. The Shang society practiced slavery as a means to support their economy and fulfill the demands of their ruling elite, with slaves having very few rights and subjected to harsh conditions. Additionally, some slaves were involved in ritual sacrifices, highlighting their role in the religious practices of the time.