An artifact or artefact is a general term for an object made or given shape by humans). Artifacts can include tools, clothing, decorations, pieces of art, and objects of archaeological interest). They provide essential clues for researchers studying ancient cultures. In archaeology, the term "artifact" is used, while in museums, the equivalent general term is normally "object," and in art history, perhaps artwork or a more specific term such as "carving"). The same item may be called all or any of these in different contexts, and more specific terms will be used when talking about individual objects or groups of similar ones). Examples of artifacts include stone tools, pottery vessels, metal objects such as weapons and items of personal adornment such as buttons, jewelry, and clothing). Bones that show signs of human modification are also examples). Natural objects, such as fire-cracked rocks from a hearth or plant material used for food, are classified by archaeologists as ecofacts rather than as artifacts). Artefacts exist as a result of behavioral and transformational processes). A behavioral process involves acquiring raw materials, manufacturing these for a specific purpose, and then discarding after use. Transformational processes begin at the end of behavioral processes; this is when the artifact is changed by nature and/or humans after it has been deposited). Both of these processes are significant factors in evaluating the context of an artifact).