Understanding Prison Tattoos: Symbols & Meanings

Prison tattoos hold a unique and often deeply symbolic meaning within correctional facilities. Unlike mainstream tattoo culture, these markings frequently communicate status, history, and affiliations among inmates. Understanding them requires recognizing the specific context of prison life.

Common Prison Tattoo Symbols & Their Meanings

Here's a breakdown of common symbols and their interpretations:

• Teardrops

  Typically represent years served or individuals lost – one teardrop often signifies one year. Multiple teardrops can indicate a lengthy sentence or multiple losses.

• Spiderweb

  Symbolizes time spent in prison, with each strand representing a year of incarceration. A spiderweb on the elbow suggests imprisonment.

• Snake

  Can represent a willingness to betray others or symbolize a ‘snake’ – someone who informs on fellow inmates.

• Barbed Wire Crown

  Indicates being a leader within the prison population and often signifies a violent history.

• Crosses/Religious Imagery

  While potentially representing genuine faith, crosses can also be used to signify gang affiliation or protect against harm.

• Numbers & Letters

  Commonly represent gang affiliations, dates of significance (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries), or inmate identification numbers.

Important Considerations

Understanding prison tattoos requires more than just knowing the basic symbols. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Variations Exist: Meanings can vary based on prison system and individual interpretations.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Some symbols have cultural significance outside of the prison environment; understand their context before assuming meaning.
• Personal Narrative: Prison tattoos often represent a personal story or experience within the inmate’s life.

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as promoting or endorsing any illegal activities.