Artefactos

work by Parra

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "artefact" (or artifact) refers to an object made by a human being, especially one of cultural or historical interest, as opposed to a natural object. This can include tools, ornaments, or anything showing human workmanship or modification that remains from a particular period. The term can also describe something characteristic of a specific institution, trend, or individual, or even something that has become outdated.1

Nicanor Parra, a significant Latin American poet, created a collection of experimental short poems published as postcards titled Artefactos (1972). In these works, Parra aimed to simplify language to its most basic form while retaining its social and philosophical impact. This aligns with the broader concept of artifacts as products of human creation and expression.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Nicanor Parra
…a collection of postcards entitled Artefactos (1972; “Artifacts”). In these he attempted to reduce language to its simplest form without destroying its social and philosophical impact. His later collections include Sermones y prédicas del Cristo de Elqui (1977; Sermons and Homilies of the Christ of Elqui); Hojas de Parra (1985;…
Read More
…a collection of postcards entitled Artefactos (1972; “Artifacts”). In these he attempted to reduce language to its simplest form without destroying its social and philosophical impact. His later collections include Sermones y prédicas del Cristo de Elqui (1977; Sermons and Homilies of the Christ of Elqui); Hojas de Parra (1985;…
Read More