Tattooing is a body art that is very popular among people due to its stylish and in-vogue look but very few of us are aware that it has a criminal side too. The largest country in the world i.e. Russia is notorious for the large number of jail inmates it harbors in its prisons. Russian prisoners are known to wear secretive, coded tattoos whose meaning can be correctly deciphered by the gangsters only. Though tattooing is illegal inside the jail, prisoners find out ways and devise tools and ink to get the tattoos carved on their body.
As has been said before, prisoners are not allowed to get tattoos and there is a deep symbolism associated with their body art. Therefore, a lot of research has been carried out on them and what has come to the fore is a treat for any curious soul. Each image and design has an exclusive meaning that is related with the sentence or the past of the prisoner. Now, you must be feeling excited to know more about this illegal body art that we know as the Russian prison tattoos. So, take a look at this post that will give you informative insights into them.
If you liked our selection, perhaps these other posts will interest you too, Crazy Tattoos, Spider Web Tattoos, Tattoo Sleeve Ideas For Men and Best Tattoos For Men.
Gangster Tattoo
The Russian prisons are hubs of tattoo art and inmates find out illegal ways to get tattoos carved on their body.
Rising Sun Tattoo
Tattoo on hand that is a symbol of the belief “I was born free and should be free”.
Tattoos Galore
A collage of different images and designs graces the body of this prisoner that is looking very interesting.
Inside Prison
A prisoner with his bare torso walks the compound of the Russian prison giving a nice view of the tattoos carved on his body.
Swallow Tattoos
The flying swallows carved at the back of the palm symbolize the desire of the prisoner to be set free.
Torso Tattoo
This Russian prisoner has got a cathedral, angels and the portrait of Virgin Mary on his body that define his long jail life.
Prisoner Back Tattoo
Portrait of a girl carved at the back signifies that the prisoner misses his girlfriend and wants to unite with her after being set free.
Multiple Tattoos
Occupying the back and arms, this prisoner has got skull, scars and other design on his body that make for an interesting portrait.
Girl Prison Tattoo
The girl shows off the pair of eyes she got on her back that is a symbol that the prisoner is keeping his eyes open.
Tattoo Loving Prisoner
Russian prisons are notorious for their body art and this prisoner is a cool example of that intriguing tattoo culture.
Prisoner Arm Tattoo
An old prisoner exposes his arm tattoo that resembles an emblem; an identification mark of the gang of which he was a member.
Prisoner Tattoo Art
A handsome prisoner with his torso covered in tattoos resembling angel wings and carved with grey ink.
Dragon Tattoo
The flying dragon carved on the chest denotes the ferocious nature of the prisoner that aspires to take revenge someday.
Gang Tattoo
Prisoners belonging to the same gang lay their hands on a fellow and try to give him a forced tattoo.
Skull Tattoo
This prisoner has got a skull on his shoulder that means he is a high-profile criminal; might be a murderer too.
Old Prisoner Tattoo
Arms and chest tattooed with different images that bear testimony to the long time spent by this old man in jail.
Face Tattoo
Victory sign and exclamation mark tattooed on the face of the prisoner point towards his gang affiliation.
Numerous Tattoos
Old and wrinkled prison inmate is a live example of the different tattoo designs that are popular in the Russian prisons.
Black Prisoner Tattoo
Looking expressionless, this black man poses for a photograph that exposes his tattooed torso and face that has faded out with time.
Chest Tattoo
Church and portrait of Mother Mary along with Jesus denotes the fact that this prisoner has been a criminal since young age and has served a long time.
Heart Tattoo
Roses and heart carved in the center of the chest point towards the loving side of this gangster.
Prisoner Name Tattoo
A proud prisoner shows off his hand that bears his name in the form a tattoo embroidered with a bear image.
Twin Tattoos
Very old prisoner with long hair, two skulls and a dagger on his arm makes for a unique portrait.
Head Tattoo
This bald prisoner got his head tattooed with the image of a laughing devil that is an indicator of his evil ways.
Tattooed Prison Man
Cheerful prisoner with tattoos on his chest, hands and neck seems to be proud of his body art.
