1488
he numbers 1488 can be found on the tattoos of white supremacist/nazi inmates. 14 or 88 on their own can also be used. This can create confusion, as the Nuestra Familia gang also uses the number 14 in their tattoos. In the case of white supremacists, the 14 represents 14 words. The 14 words are a quote by nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children” The 88 is shorthand for the 8th letter of the alphabet twice, HH, which represents Heil Hitler. These tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, it doesn’t have to be on the forehead, like this gentleman is displaying. Ladies, we hear he’s single .
The Cobweb
Cobweb tattoos have become very popular these days with people who were never convicts, but the cobweb is most definitely a prison tattoo. People get cobwebs to symbolize a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism of the cobweb is the association with spiders trapping prey and criminals being trapped behind bars. The spider web represents the prison (that’s deep bro.) This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow because it also represents a lot of time with your elbows on the table. I.E. you’ve been sitting in prison doing nothing for so long that a spider is weaving a cobweb on your elbow. Convicts also often get the cobweb tattooed on their necks as well. If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tat; prison tattoo artists rarely have access to colored ink.
Teardrop
One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos is the teardrop. But the meaning of the teardrop varies geographically. In some places a teardrop represents a long prison sentence, in other places the teardrop represents that the bearer committed a murder. Sometimes the teardrop is empty. This can symbolize an attempted murder, or that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge. Rappers and other celebrities have popularized teardrop tattoos, which has led to many non-convicts getting the prison tattoos just for the ‘hard’ look it creates. If you are considering getting a teardrop tattoo, be warned: If you go to prison for the first time while sporting an unauthentic prison tattoo, you will make a lot of enemies, real fast.
Five-Point Crown
The gold crown may seem like a fun, decorative tattoo. But if it’s got five points on it, it is a prison tattoo. The five-point crown is a symbol of the Latin Kings gang. The Latin Kings are one of the biggest hispanic gangs in the US, they are based out of Chicago. The crown tattoo will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which means Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The crown has five points because the Latin Kings are an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number 5. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and they’re roots go back to the 1940’s. Other details of the crown, such as the colors of the jewels in the points, can have a whole other level of hidden meanings.
Three Dots
The three dots tattoo is a very common prison tattoo that symbolizes ‘mi vida loca’ or ‘my crazy life.’ It doesn’t symbolize any particular gang, but rather the gang lifestyle. It’s typically found on the hands or around the eyes. The three dots tattoo can also carry some religious significance, representing the holy trinity. Dot tattoos are often done using the stick-and-poke method. This is a home-made tattoo procedure that involves very rudimentary tools, like a pencil or a sewing needle. Almost any sharp objects can be used, and it’s often whatever the inmates can get their hands on. People outside of prison will also sometimes do a stick-and-poke, but it seems silly when you can go to a professional tattoo artist instead.
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