What gang has face tattoos?
INCREDIBLE pictures show the tattooed faces of El Salvador's most notorious gang. Photographer Adam Hinton has released a new book featuring intimate portraits of members of the dangerous MS -13 gang who reside inside one of the country's bulging prisons.
What are common gang tattoos?
Three dots on the hand is a common general gang tattoo which represents “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life." But if those dots surrounds a 13, the symbol is most likely associated with La Eme. In this case, the dots could mean "prison, hospital, and cemetery."
What does a tear drop face tattoo mean?
One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop's meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder.
What does a tattooed cross under the eye mean?
Cross Under Eye Tattoo Historically, the cross symbol has been used by Middle Eastern Coptic Christians to define and symbolize defiance and reverence to the god, especially in the Muslim and Christian society. However, it changed over time to mean different gang affiliates and was worn by prisoners and gangsters.
What are the tattoos on bars face?
Her explanation of the couple's status reveals a lot about Bar's recent behavior, especially when it comes to his infamous face tattoos. According to The Ashley, Bar got tattoos directly above his eyebrows in 2019 to honor his late friends. He had “NORM” written over his left eyebrow and “YR474” over the right.
What does a star tattoo under the left eye mean?
While many star tattoos have nothing to do with crime, they can sometimes be used to represent killings, said Kevin Waters, a criminal justice professor at Northern Michigan University and former agent with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
What do lips tattooed on someone's neck mean?
Red lips are usually meant to convey sex appeal and kissing especially when placed in an intimate area like on the hips, neck, abdomen, etc. This is particularly true when lips are rendered like a lipstick print mark, leaving the impression of a kiss.
What does a tattoo of red lips mean?
Lips Tattoo Meaning Red lips, usually with an open mouth, are a symbol of counterculture, the connection to the erotic and sex appeal.
Why does Lil Wayne have a teardrop?
Lil Wayne has apparently been asked about the meaning of his teardrop tattoos, to which he responds that they are to represent family members who have died. However, it was at his mother's request that he covered up the teardrop under his left eye, and as Wayne claimed she said it was because he had too many of them.
What does a heart tattoo on the face mean?
A heart and face tattoo is a great way to make a statement on your skin! The design is exceptionally eye-catching, but it also has a powerful meaning; choosing to get a crying heart indicates sadness and could represent the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or heartbreak.
What does a spider web tattoo on the elbow mean?
They were inked on the elbows to symbolize their loyalty to their group. Spider web tattoos gained popularity in prison systems all across the United States during the late 1900s. Even in modern times, the tattoo is still a popular prison tattoo. But in the late 1970s, to wear such a tattoo would come at great cost.
What does an upside down tattoo mean?
The upside cross down cross tattoo is the Petrine Cross that holds key importance in Christianity. This is why many people get the ink to display their religious beliefs and inclination towards Christianity. Sometimes this tattoo is also called an inverted cross.
1. Aryan Brotherhood Prison Tattoos
Aryan Brotherhood tattoos come in many sizes, shapes and designs. All of them signify membership to the primary gang for Caucasians in prison and are often accompanied by other forms of white supremacist body art (more below).
2. Nortenos vs. Surenos
According to author Karen Kinnear, in 1968 California prison inmates were separated into two rival groups, Norteno (northerner) and Sureno gangs (southerner). This separation was based on the locations of the prisoner’s hometowns.
3. Spiderweb Tattoos
The spiderweb tattoo has a lot of different meanings but is most often associated with a criminal tattoo signifying the process of doing time in prison.
4. Latin Kings Prison and Gang Tattoos
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Javier Ramirez via Wikimedia Commons CC BY SA 3.0
5. African American Gang Tattoos
Any teen growing up in the 1990s heard about and watched films about the feuding LA gangs the Crips and Bloods. These gangs are still in operation today – however in prison they tend to band together.
6. The Japanese Yakuza
Japan’s extraordinary underworld and their distinct tattoos have been featured in more than half a century’s film and television, from The Simpsons to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill trilogy.
7. Russian Prison Tattoos
While elements have been co-opted into the US prison system, inmates from the former Soviet Union are literally walking bibliographies of crime at every level.
How do tattoos help gangs?
Tattoos help them integrate in the gang family, help them identify with a group and help them shock the society that had abandoned them.
What gangs have tattoos on their neck?
Famous for their facial tattoos are the gangs Surenos, MS13 or Mara Salvatrucha, Eighteen (18) and the white supremacist gangs.
What is facial tattoo?
a)Tattoos and facial tattoo are an important part of the wearers identity, gang related tattoos in particular. Each tattoo has a certain significance and tells a story, shows a certain level of commitment and loyalty to the gang he belongs. Phelan and Hunt name them “ symbols of completeness” and “self defying labels”.
What is a ta moko?
The Ta Moko are intricate facial tattoos, black spiral patterns and curving lines that, just like gang related tattoos, tell the story of the wearers identity, his rank, his genealogy, his spiritual authority and position in life. Buttle also uses the word “alien” when referring to the appearance of wearers of a Ta Moko.
Why do people stare at tattoos?
This is another reason why people often stare at people with facial tattoos. In case of gang related facial tattoos, not only were they tattooed on the face to intimidate, but they also distort the facial expressions of the wearer. For people who want to leave the gang life behind, this makes it extra difficult.
Why are tattoos so fascinating?
Tattoos are. fascinating, there is always mystery behind them: the reason why somebody got. them, the significance of the design...facial tattoos are an even greater. mystery since they are a bold statement and must be really relevant to the. wearer in order to exhibit them on their face.
What does the 3 dots on the finger on the grave mean?
the grave, the 3 places they are more than likely to end up. Three dots on one hand and one on the other is a symbol for MS13 or the Sureňo gang while four dots arranged as a square or four dots on the fingers on one hand and one dot on the finger on the other hand are a symbol that means affiliation with the Norteňos.
11 Gang Tattoos You Must Be Aware Of To Protect Your Family
It can be as simple as three little dots under the eye, but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Cobweb
The cobweb represents a long stint in prison. It is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on a table that a spider has made webs on the elbow. Multicolored “cobwebs” are probably not prison tattoos, though. Inmates rarely have access to colored ink.
Teardrop
The teardrop has different meanings depending on where you live, but none of the meanings are any good. It can mean a lengthy prison sentence or that the wearer has committed murder. It’s been popularized b rappers and celebrities recently, but it is still popular in the gangland underworld.
Five-Point Crown
The five-point crown is a symbol of the Latin Kings gang, one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the country – headquartered out of Chicago.
Three dots
The three dots tattoo represents “mi vida loca” to gang members. It’s not associated with any particular gang, just the lifestyle. It sometimes carries religious significance, with the three dots representing the Holy Trinity. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools.
Five Dots
These dots represent time done in prison. Called the “quincunx,” the four dots on the outside represent four walls, while the fifth in the inside represent the inmate.
Aryan Brotherhood
This tattoo contains symbols and words like “AB,” and a cloverleaf, or Nazi symbolism lik the swastika or SS bolts.
What are the tattoos of the Brotherhood?
This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U.S. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial.
What does it mean when someone gets a teardrop tattoo?
It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast.
What does a teardrop tattoo mean?
One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder.
What is the tattoo on the knuckles?
His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down.’.
What do the dots on the inside of a prisoner's hand represent?
Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger.
Where is the spider tattoo on the elbow?
This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tattoo; tattoo ‘artists’ in jail rarely have access to colored ink.
What does a playing card mean in prison?
Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning.
What does "crips" mean on a tattoo?
The “Crips” tattoo is a sign of acceptance done with Old English and Gothic lettering. A lot of those tattoos also have only the letter “C” incorporated into an acronym or part of the design.
What was the tattoo art of the 1920s?
As gangs grew in America in the 1920s, tattoo art was “must-have” for the leaders and soldiers also. Some similar prison tattoos, gang tattoo designs became a way for members to show allegiance to specific groups. Almost every gang which exists has some specific tattoos which are connected with them. So, the Crips gang has its tattoos as well.
Why do crips wear blue?
The members of the gang traditionally wear blue clothing, a practice which has waned somewhat because of police crackdowns specifically targeting gang members. Historically, the members of the gang were primarily of African -American heritage. The Crips are one of the largest, as well as most violent associations of street gangs in ...
What is a crip tattoo?
They are designed to mark an individual as a member of a group and is an indication of status. One such tattoo design is the “Crips” tattoo, which comes from the gang with the same name. The history and beginnings of the Crips gang. The Crips are a gang that is based in the coastal regions of southern California.
How many Crips gangs were there in 1978?
Most of the members were aged 17. By 1978, there were about 45 Crips gangs, called sets, and they operated around Los Angeles. They have been heavily involved in the production of PCP, amphetamines, and marijuana.
Is tattooing a criminal underworld?
In other words, although there are a lot of people who don’t have the skill to identify certain symbols, it was more or less taken for granted that tattoos were mostly connected to a criminal underworld. Luckily nowadays, tattoos are very common, and they have lost that sort of association. However, this does not imply that gang tattoos have also ...
Who was the second creator of the gang?
On the 11 th of March, 1979, Stanley Tookie Williams, who formed the group, was arrested for four murders, while on the 8 th of August, the same year, the second creator, Raymond Washington, has been gunned down. However, despite the deaths of the leaders, the gang kept growing. Despite the rise of the gangs in Los Angeles like ...
What is the tattoo of a mafia?
Their main tattoo depicts an eagle holding the snake in its mouth, usually perched high on top of the letters gang letters E.M.E. or M.M.
What is the Mexican mafia?
These gang members work in the shadows and thrive by staying out of the light. The Mexican mafia tattoos speak a language of their own, representing an allegiance to the family, dedication, commitment, and willing to die for the family.
What does the side view of a gun mean?
The gun design tells others you are carrying a gun, and if pointed outward you are a shooter, side view means you are always packing .
Can you get a mafia tattoo in prison?
Getting the Mexican Mafia Tattoos. Those who choose this particular tattoo design do not enter that decision lightly. The Mexican mafia tattoos are usually inked while in prison, but many are done underground by other members of the gang to show this person is now a member of the group.
What is a crip tattoo?
The Crips are a primarily but not exclusively African-American gang, and one of the largest in California. This tattoo shows the word ‘CRIP’ tattooed largely across a gang member’s back. (Photo Federal Bureau of Investigations)
What is the tattoo that a Russian inmate has?
Epaulette. This tattoo is one of the many intricate pieces of artwork that Russian inmates place on their skin. Military insignia and epaulette tattoos are used to signify criminal accomplishments or other parts of a prisoner’s history. Skulls generally designate murders.
What does a cat tattoo mean?
Cats. A cat tattoo is representative of a thief. One cat means they worked alone; several means they were part of a gang. A cat tattoo can also be indicative of an inmate who does not like law enforcement, especially if worn on the chest.
What does the tattoo of birds flying over the horizon mean?
The bearer of this tattoo enjoys freedom and is escape-minded. An image of birds flying over the horizon means "I was born free and should be free." (Photo Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedia Vol. II)
Teardrop Tattoo On Face Meaning
Let’s start with the most well-known teardrop tattoo: the one high on the cheek and just below a person’s eye. At times, they may even have more than one that is either filled with black or left as an outline only.
Other Meanings of Teardrop Tattoos
Teardrop tattoos are a hot topic. We all know that someone usually cries out of sadness, but anger, remorse, and even joy can also trigger tears. Just as the reasons behind crying are so varied, so are the meanings of teardrop tattoos.
Teardrop Tattoo Combinations and Placement
The majority of teardrop tattoos on the face are filled with black or outlined only. Sometimes other colors may be used to signify something specific—what exactly varies from prison to prison. They’re also plain when it comes to the design. However, there’s more to teardrop tattoos than that.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Teardrop Tattoo
When you have tattoos, you’re regrettably immediately labelled as a delinquent by some people in the community. If you choose to get a teardrop tattoo on your face, even the most non-judgmental people may characterize you as being ‘bad.’ You have to consider this before you willingly get a teardrop tattoo on your face.
The Takeaway
It’s best to take some time to think about getting a traditional teardrop tattoo. There are a lot of negative meanings connected to it and you have to realize that people will instinctively think the worst when they see it tattooed on you. It’s for this reason that it’s probably one of the tattoos people regret getting the most.