Artifact vs. Relic — What's the Difference?

Artifact and Relic are terms frequently employed to describe items from the past, but they carry distinct connotations. An artifact is fundamentally a man-made object, typically from an earlier time, that holds cultural or historical significance. On the other hand, a relic tends to be an old or ancient object, often preserving historical, cultural, or sometimes religious importance.

When examining the origins of these terms, artifacts predominantly point towards human creation and craftsmanship. They may encompass tools, art, writings, or any creation that reveals insights into the past civilizations or cultures. In contrast, relics often carry an aura of reverence. The term relic is commonly associated with religious artifacts or fragments, such as a bone of a saint or a piece of the True Cross.

In museums or collections, artifacts serve to display the expertise, way of life, or the aesthetic preferences of past societies. They provide a tangible connection to history and often help in understanding human evolution, both culturally and technologically. Relics, however, often hold a deeper, sometimes spiritual or sentimental value. People might be drawn to relics not just for their age but for the veneration they command due to their association with significant religious or historical figures or events.

In summation, while both artifacts and relics connect us to history, the term artifact emphasizes human creation and design, whereas relic underscores antiquity, reverence, and oftentimes religious significance.