Prison is a challenging environment where inmates often get tattoos, including visible ones on their faces, hands, and arms. These tattoos represent the life and values of criminals and can be associated with gangs or specific meanings.
Eyes on the Stomach
Prison face tattoos commonly feature skulls, teardrops, names, or totems that symbolize criminality or a life on the edge. Some inmates use these tattoos to gain special privileges in prison. These markings are invaluable for identifying inmates and understanding their character and personality.
Teardrop
Teardrop design can be filled with solid ink or just an outline. This tattoo may symbolize revenge for the murder of an acquaintance or fellow gang member. Some people get teardrop tattoos to symbolize mourning or their struggle for independence and fulfillment in life. It can also serve as a reminder of overcoming challenges like drug addiction or past gang affiliations.
Crown
Prison tattoos often have intricate designs with various meanings, including religious symbolism or gang affiliation. A trident symbolizes gang power, while skulls represent death. The skull tattoo is associated with murderers due to its historical connection to capital punishment. The five-point crown is a significant symbol for the Latin Kings, one of America’s most prominent Hispanic gangs.
Numbers
Prison face tattoos often include numbers represented in Roman, Latin, Arabic, or English numerals. These tattoos are sought after by inmates serving long prison terms for serious crimes like violence or murder. They may also indicate the time spent in prison, with tombstones representing imprisonment duration and spider webs symbolizing the inmate’s experiences inside. tattoos can serve as a permanent mark and a signal that the wearer does not expect to rejoin society.
1488
The prison face tattoo “1488” is an acronym that stands for “All Coppers Are Bastards.” This design is commonly associated with white supremacist gangs but can also be used to promote prison breaks. It can be found anywhere on a prisoner’s body.
