601
Russian prison tattoos
Discover Pinterest’s best ideas and inspiration for Russian prison tattoos. Get inspired and try out new things.
20k people searched this
·
Last updated 3d
Russian prison tattoos
454
In these images the nameless bodies of criminals act as both a text and mirror, reflecting and preserving the ever-changing folklore of the Russian...
1k
Russian Prison Tattoos on Pinterest | Criminal Tattoo, Russian ...
134
The eyes on the chest signify ‘I can see everything’ and ‘I am watching’. Battle scenes and knights in armour represent executioners or overseers sometimes known as ‘fighters’. They act according to the commands of the pakhan (the head of a group of thieves, an ‘authoritative thief’), beating up or raping other inmates. They may also murder other prisoners who have been found ‘guilty’ by the pakhan. Many of these tattoos are based on ancient Russian legends.
48
These tattoos became intricate works of art that detailed not only an inmate's crimes, but a good portion of their lives
109
These tattoos became intricate works of art that detailed not only an inmate's crimes, but a good portion of their lives
4
Top left: ‘People are beasts!’
323
![Translating the Secret Meanings of Soviet Prison Tattoos | <<—— The imagery of trapped insects suggested that the prisoner was ‘mixed up in drugs like a beetle in manure and [will] never get out.’ Finger Tattoos Meaning, Prison Tattoo Meanings, Finger Tattoos Designs, Mob Tattoo, Finger Tattoos Ideas, Finger Tattoos Fade, Russian Prison Tattoos, Police File, Tattoos Finger](https://i.pinimg.com/474x/fa/40/28/fa402883aa5f6781a6ea9b2e75d63f15.jpg)
During Soviet times, Russian inmates created a secret language made up of symbolic tattoos, which communicated prison hierarchy and crimes committed.
387
The safest and most inclusive global community of photography enthusiasts. The best place for inspiration, connection, and sharing!
1.3k
Related interests
Russian prison tattoos and more
