Sífell

Sífell is a term that appears in historical Icelandic texts, often referring to a specific type of garment or piece of clothing. Its exact meaning and construction have been a subject of scholarly discussion. Generally, it is understood to be a long, tunic-like garment, possibly worn by both men and women. Some interpretations suggest it was a sort of overgarment, worn on top of other clothing for warmth or as a status symbol. The material and decoration of a sífell would likely have varied depending on the wearer's social standing and the historical period. Evidence for sífell comes from sagas and other medieval Icelandic literature, where it is mentioned in various contexts. The precise etymology of the word is also debated, with some scholars suggesting connections to words related to "sleeve" or "fell" (meaning skin or hide). Understanding sífell contributes to our knowledge of medieval Icelandic material culture and fashion.