relic

A relic is an object that remains from an earlier time and is valued for historical, cultural, or spiritual reasons. The word derives from the Latin reliquiae, meaning remnants. In common use, relics are associated with the past and can function as touchstones to memory, identity, or belief.

Religious relics: In many traditions, relics are objects linked to sacred persons or events. They are often categorized by their proximity to the sacred figure: first-class relics are body parts or clear remains; second-class relics are objects closely associated with a saint; third-class relics are items touched to a saint or used in liturgy. Relics are housed in reliquaries and are sometimes the focus of pilgrimages.

Archaeological and cultural relics: In archaeology, a relic or artifact denotes material remains of past societies. While all artifacts preserve something of the past, relics are typically valued for long-standing cultural or historical significance, and their authenticity and provenance are important for museums and researchers.

Preservation, ethics, and controversy: The collection, display, and sale of relics raise preservation, legal, and ethical questions, including consent, provenance, and the potential for hoaxes. Many countries regulate relics and ancient artifacts as cultural heritage.

Modern use: The term also appears in everyday language to describe outdated technologies or objects of sentimental value. Examples include fossilized tools, ancient coins, or items thought to have belonged to notable figures.