What are artifacts of culture also known as?

Artifacts of culture are indeed best described as physical objects representing the visible surface of culture. These artifacts can include items like tools, clothing, artwork, and any other tangible objects produced by a society. They serve as expressions of cultural identity and can provide insight into the practices, beliefs, and norms of a particular group.

Recognizing artifacts of culture is crucial because they often reflect the historical contexts and social structures of the peoples that create them. By analyzing these objects, one can glean information about technological advancements, economic conditions, and artistic trends within a culture.

The other options focus on different aspects of culture. The symbolic representations of thoughts pertain more to non-tangible ideas and concepts, which do not fully capture the essence of artifacts as physical items. Intangible beliefs and values refer to the underlying principles of a culture that are not manifested in physical form, while traditions passed down through generations highlight the practices and customs that may be represented through artifacts but do not define artifacts themselves. Therefore, identifying artifacts solely as physical objects aligns best with their role in cultural analysis.