Historical Artifacts

HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS

A deeper understanding of our past is possible through historical artifacts and ephemera, which have shaped our history and continue to influence our future. Most of the documents and artifacts in our collection date back to our nation's founding, with a few rare items from prehistoric times.

What is an Artifact?

An artifact is a term used to describe any item that humans shape or make. It encompasses many things, from tools to works of art. In the field of archaeology, the term artifact has a specific meaning. It refers to any object discovered due to archaeological work with cultural significance or historical interest.


In archaeology, the general term used for any object of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance is called an "artifact." However, in museums, these objects are usually referred to as "objects," while in the realm of art history, a more specific term, like "carving" or "artwork," is used to describe them. Depending on the context, different terms may refer to the same object or when discussing specific groups of similar objects. In Unixploria, we use both "artifact" and "object" interchangeably to refer to these essential historical and cultural items.


Artifacts, ecofacts, and features are often found together at archaeological sites. Artifacts can take many forms and exist in different contexts depending on the processes they have undergone. To provide information about artifacts, various analyses are conducted through scientific archaeology.

TEXTUAL ARTIFACTS

Collecting and analyzing texts and artifacts produced and used by members can foster an understanding of a culture, social setting, or phenomenon.


Texts can take various forms and adhere to specific norms. They can also be considered cultural artifacts with artistic value. The Unixplorian logotypes and emblems below are examples of such texts that belong to a particular culture with shared norms. Therefore, a "text" can be seen as an utterance that skilled individuals in a specific cultural context assign a particular artistic value to, such as an expression of Unixplorian culture.