Tattoos

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.

Russian Prison Tattoos: More Than Just Ink

In Soviet and Russian prisons, tattoos were more than art — they marked rank, reputation, and survival. From handmade ink and improvised tools to deadly risks and coded meanings, this article explores the brutal and symbolic world of prison tattooing behind bars.