Russian Gang Tattoos are far more than just skin art; they are a complex language, a visual code deeply embedded in the criminal underworld. Especially during the Soviet era, and particularly within the notorious “Thieves in Law” gang, tattoos served as intricate biographies etched onto the skin. These weren’t casual decorations, but earned insignia, detailing a prisoner’s criminal history, status, and personal philosophy. Understanding these symbols offers a fascinating glimpse into a hidden world governed by strict rules and unspoken meanings.
The Strict Code of the Thieves in Law
In the brutal environment of Soviet prisons, the “Thieves in Law” (Vor v Zakone) emerged as the dominant criminal authority. This gang established a rigid hierarchy and a strict code of conduct, which extended to the realm of tattoos. For members of the Thieves in Law, body art was not a matter of personal expression, but a formal system of communication.
Tattoos had to be earned, typically through acts of defiance against authority, displays of criminal prowess, or adherence to the gang’s code. Placement, design, and even the presence of a tattoo itself spoke volumes. Wearing a tattoo that hadn’t been “deserved” was a grave offense, leading to forced removal – often brutally – and severe punishment. This system ensured that tattoos were not merely skin deep, but genuine reflections of a prisoner’s life and standing within the criminal hierarchy.
Unpacking the Meanings: 12 Key Russian Gang Tattoo Symbols
While the strict guidelines of the Thieves in Law have become somewhat diluted in modern times, understanding the traditional meanings of these tattoos remains crucial for deciphering the visual language of the Russian criminal world. Here are 12 prominent Russian prison tattoo symbols and their interpretations:
1. Thieves’ Stars: Emblems of Authority
Thieves’ stars are perhaps the most iconic Russian gang tattoos. Their location is paramount to their meaning. Stars on the knees declare, “I will never kneel before anyone,” signifying defiance and unyielding authority. Chest stars are reserved for the highest ranks within the criminal hierarchy, marking individuals of significant respect and power within the Thieves in Law. These tattoos are not given lightly; they must be earned through a proven track record and unwavering commitment to the criminal code.
2. Portraits of Stalin and Lenin: Ironic Protection
In a darkly ironic twist, portraits of Soviet leaders Stalin and Lenin became Russian prison tattoos in the 20th century. Prisoners believed these chest tattoos would offer protection from firing squads. The logic, however twisted, was that authorities would hesitate to deface images of their revered leaders, opting instead to shoot prisoners in the back of the head, thus avoiding damage to the tattoo.
3. Epaulettes: Military Rank in the Criminal World
Epaulettes, ornamental shoulder pieces reminiscent of military uniforms, served as rank insignia within the Thieves in Law. These tattoos denoted specific positions in the gang’s hierarchy, mirroring military structures with ranks like “captain,” “lieutenant,” and “colonel.” Earning epaulette tattoos signified a rise in status and increased authority within the criminal organization.
4. Oskal (Big Grin): Aggression and Defiance
“Oskal,” the Russian word for “Big Grin,” manifests in tattoos depicting aggressive animals like tigers, leopards, or snarling wolves. These tattoos broadcast a prisoner’s hostility towards authority and a general predisposition for aggression. An Oskal tattoo was a clear warning sign, indicating a dangerous and confrontational individual.
5. Spider: The Thief’s Path
A spider tattoo carries different meanings depending on its direction. A spider crawling up the shoulder signifies an active thief, still engaged in criminal activities. Conversely, a spider crawling down indicates a thief who has retired from their criminal life, or “tied off,” as it’s sometimes referred to in criminal slang, leaving the past behind – or claiming to.
6. Cathedrals (Kremlin): Counting Sentences
Cathedral or Kremlin tattoos are iconic representations of time served in prison. The number of domes on the cathedral directly corresponds to the number of prison sentences an inmate has served throughout their life. These tattoos, often placed on the chest or back, are a stark visual tally of a life intertwined with the penal system.
7. Manacles: Long-Term Imprisonment
Manacles, or handcuffs, are another symbol directly linked to imprisonment. Often found on the hands, sometimes paired with cathedral tattoos, manacles indicate that the wearer has served a sentence exceeding five years. This tattoo is a badge of endurance, marking a significant stretch of time spent within the prison walls.
8. Grudge: Disdain for Authority
The “Grudge” tattoo, typically depicted as a snarling dog, embodies resentment towards authority figures, particularly the police. It signifies a deep-seated disdain for law enforcement and the system in general. This tattoo is a visual declaration of anti-establishment sentiment and a rebellious attitude.
9. Rings: Convict Identity
Ring tattoos on the fingers are immediate identifiers of a convict within the Russian criminal system. These aren’t decorative rings; each ring carries specific meaning, ranging from the type of crimes committed (murder, theft, etc.) to expressions of aggression against authority or length of sentences served. The complexity of ring tattoos makes them a detailed and personalized criminal resume etched onto the hands.
10. Woman: Thief in Law Initiation and Prostitution
A woman tattoo holds drastically different meanings depending on its location. When tattooed on the chest, often incorporating a rose, a woman symbolizes initiation into the Thieves in Law. However, if the same woman tattoo is placed on the stomach, it becomes a derogatory mark, signifying a prostitute, a stark contrast in meaning based solely on placement.
11. Flowers: Juvenile Conviction
Flowers, such as tulips or roses, when entwined with barbed wire or wrapped around a dagger, are symbolic of a convict who was imprisoned before the age of 18. These tattoos mark a difficult start in life, signifying a youth spent within the harsh realities of the prison system.
12. Skulls: Defiance of Soviet Power
A skull tattoo, in the context of Russian gang tattoos, is a symbol of resistance against authority, specifically Soviet power. It represents a willingness to “bear one’s teeth” against the system, proving fearlessness in the face of authority. Inmates earned skull tattoos by actively challenging and confronting correctional officers and other figures of power within the prison environment.
The Evolving Landscape of Russian Gang Tattoos
While the iron grip of the Thieves in Law and their rigid tattoo guidelines has loosened over time, the legacy of Russian gang tattoos persists. Modern inmates may create their own designs and interpretations, but the historical context and traditional meanings remain influential. Understanding these symbols is not only crucial for those within the criminal justice system but also provides a fascinating insight into a unique and often brutal subculture where the skin itself becomes a canvas for life stories, criminal identities, and silent communication.
