'artifact' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arte factum', where 'arte' meant 'by skill' and 'factum' meant 'made'.

'arte factum' transformed into the French word 'artefact', and eventually became the modern English word 'artifact' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'something made by skill', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an object of cultural or historical interest'.