Afskriftir

Afskriftir are copies or transcripts of original documents produced to preserve, disseminate, or verify information. The word derives from the Icelandic af- (off, from) and skrift (writing), with the plural afskriftir meaning “copies” or “transcripts.” Historically in Iceland, afskriftir were created across civil, ecclesiastical, and legal domains and served as practical alternatives to handling fragile originals.

They include transcripts of charters and legal acts, land registers, church records (births, marriages, deaths), court judgments, wills, and other archival materials. Afskriftir were prepared by clerks, notaries, or scribes and often formed the basis for legal claims, genealogical research, and administrative decisions. In the modern era, many afskriftir have been preserved in national and regional archives and are increasingly digitized, facilitating access for researchers. In Iceland, major repositories such as the Þjóðskjalasafn Íslands (National Archives) maintain afskriftir and related archival copies.

Significance: Afskriftir provide historical data and context, enabling scholars to study administrative practices, property ownership, and social history. They may differ from the originals in wording or accuracy due to transcription errors, dating, or compilation practices, so critical comparison with the source documents is often necessary. See also transcription, archival copies, and Icelandic archival practice.