What does 'artifice' mean, exactly?

Question

"Artifact and Artifice: Classical Archaeology and the Ancient Historians"--&gt; This is the title of some book. I'd like to know the exact meaning of "artifice" here.Is it similar to 'skill'?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I think it means 'deception'.  There have been many attempts to hoax or deceive in the unsavory history of archeology.

CalifJim · Answer

woodslimI'd like to know the exact meaning of "artifice" here. Is it similar to 'skill'?

That's one of the definitions. Cleverness or ingenuity in making or doing something; art or skill.

I doubt you'll find that there is an exact meaning in this context, however. It's the subtitle that gives it away.

Artifact is explained by the term 'archaeology', and 'artifice' is explained by the term 'historian'. As the following excerpt from a review shows, this contrast is one of material versus text, so the 'artifice' part refers to the texts of historians.

Artifact and Artifice makes clear that textual evidence and archaeological evidence must be situated within a broader literary and material context. ... Textual and the material sources inhabit entirely different discourses.

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/552657

CJ

Mister Micawber · Answer

CalifJimhttps://muse.jhu.edu/article/552657

I really should research before I pontificate. Thanks, CJ.

Woodslim · Answer

oh, now I get it.

Thanks a lot, guys!

What does 'artifice' mean, exactly?

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