1 Answer

1. any object made by human beings, especially with a view to subsequent use.

2. a handmade object, as a tool, or the remains of one, as a shard of pottery, characteristic of an earlier time or cultural stage, especially such an object found at an archaeological excavation.

3. any mass-produced, usually inexpensive object reflecting contemporary society or popular culture: artifacts of the pop rock generation.

4. a substance or structure not naturally present in the matter being observed but formed by artificial means, as during preparation of a microscope slide.

5. a spurious observation or result arising from preparatory or investigative procedures.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/artifact

An artifact is an item that was made and used by people. Clay pots, beads, scrolls, and even buttons are all types of artifacts. Scientists use artifacts to find out helpful and interesting things about the people who came before us! Most artifacts are dug out from the ground (“excavated”) by archaeologists, who are experts in studying past cultures based on the artifacts and other findings those people left behind.

http://www.whyzz.com/what-is-an-artifact