The noun artifact means an item, like a tool, that was built in the past.
Synonyms are antique, evidence, handicraft, or relic.
The word origins in 1821. It comes from artefact meaning “artificial production, anything made or modified by human art”, from Italian. It also comes from Latin arte meaning “by skill” plus factum “thing made”, from facere meaning “to make, do”.
The grand prize for this contest is an exclusive artifact.
The artifact was created during the eighth century in Pakistan.
An artifact dating back to prehistoric times is placed in the museum.