Tattoos

Dive into curated articles on Tattoos …

Russian Prison Tattoo Abbreviations — glossary and translations

A look inside the coded world of Russian prison culture — its tattoos, slang, and unwritten rules. Each symbol and phrase carries decades of history, reflecting both rebellion and hierarchy within the criminal underworld.

Russian Criminal Tattoos: Betrayal, Hatred, and Secret Codes of the Underworld

An overview of Russian prison tattoos with deep symbolic meaning — from the Crying Muse to devils and burning stakes. These tattoos reflect betrayal, hatred of authority, vengeance, and loyalty in the criminal world.

Prison Tattoo Symbols — Cards, Saber, Bayonet, Barbed Wire, Bear, Arrow and Key

A breakdown of classic prison tattoo symbols — from card cheats and burglars to safecrackers and repeat offenders.

Russian Prison Tattoo Meanings: Symbols of Power, Violence, and Defiance

Each Russian prison tattoo carries a deeper meaning. Discover the symbolism behind the tiger’s head, the chained cross, the compass rose, and other iconic designs worn by thieves, enforcers, and rebels behind bars.

Church Domes, Beetles, and the "King of All Suits": Symbolism of Russian Prison Tattoos

Russian prison tattoos often carry deep and specific meanings. Domes may signify years spent behind bars, beetles offer luck to thieves, and a crown with card suits tells a story of shame. These marks are not just ink — they're a language of power, status, and survival.

Russian Prison Tattoo Meanings: Compass Rose, Spider, Deer & Cat Symbols

Discover the hidden language of prison tattoos—from the authority of the compass rose to the drug-user spider, the freedom-seeking deer, and the “cat” symbol of a lifelong inmate.