An object made or shaped by humans, especially one of historical or archaeological importance that tells us about past cultures.
From Latin 'arte' (by art) and 'factum' (made thing). The term emerged in archaeology in the 19th century to distinguish human-made objects from natural items found at dig sites.
The spelling 'artefact' with an 'e' is actually the original British spelling, while Americans prefer 'artifact'—but both are correct! Museums spend enormous resources cataloging artefacts because a single pottery shard or tool can reveal how people lived thousands of years ago.
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