Manufatti

Manufatti is the plural of manufatto, a term used in Italian to denote objects produced or modified by human hands. The word is common in archaeology, anthropology, art history, and museum studies, where it serves to distinguish human-made items from naturally occurring objects. In everyday Italian, manufatti can also refer to manufactured goods or products manufactured by industry, crafts, or workshops.

Etymology: The term derives from manu- "hand" and factus "made", via Latin roots, and has been attested in Italian since the early modern period to designate items crafted or manufactured.

Scope and types: Manufatti encompass a wide range of objects, from simple tools and utensils to complex devices, pottery, metalwork, textiles, jewelry, and architectural fragments. In archaeological usage, they are studied to understand production techniques, trade, daily life, and technological change. Modern usage extends to industrial products and consumer goods.

Study and preservation: Cataloging and typology of manufatti support museums and heritage projects. Analytical methods—historical, stylistic, and scientific (e.g., material analysis, residue analysis)—aid in dating, provenance, and function.

Distinctions: Some Italian scholars prefer artefatto for a broader category that includes any object created or modified by humans, while manufatto emphasizes production or craftsmanship. In practice the terms are often used interchangeably, depending on discipline and context.