A cultural artifact is term used in the social sciences, particularly anthropology,^[1] ethnology,^[2] and sociology^{[citation needed]} for anything created by humans which gives information about the culture of its creator and users. Usage of this term encompasses the type of archaeological artifact which is recovered at archaeological sites; however, current objects of modern or near-modern society are also cultural artifacts. For example, in an anthropological context, a 17th Century lathe or piece of faience, and a television all provide a wealth of information about the time in which they were manufactured and used. Cultural artifacts can provide knowledge about technological processes, economy and social makeup, and a host of other subjects.

[edit] See also

• Social artifact
• Biofact
• Mentifact
• Art object

[edit] References

1. ^ Richard J. Watts. The pragmalinguistic analysis of narrative texts. http://books.google.com/books?id=4SIXk2bp5u8C&pg=PP1&dq=The+pragmalinguistic+analysis+of+narrative+texts&lr=&as_brr=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false. 
2. ^ Rob Amery. Warrabarna Kaurna!. http://books.google.com/books?lr=&as_brr=0&q=warrabarna+kaurna!&btnG=Search+Books. 

[edit] External links

• "Artifact" article by Risto Hilpinen in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

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