Thermoelectric element and fabrication method thereof

A method of fabricating a thermoelectric element with a higher thermoelectric performance than that of a conventional thermoelectric element. This fabrication method includes the steps of: (a) preparing a thermoelectric material having a predetermined composition; and (b) applying extruding pressure to the thermoelectric material in a first direction to extrude it through a die having, in an area which is not less than half of a deforming area of the thermoelectric material in the first direction, a maximum strain rate within +30% of an average strain rate so as to plastically deform the thermoelectric material into an extruded product of the thermoelectric material.