What kind of tattoos do they have in Russia?

No one likes getting called a Nazi. Contrary to the sinister tattoo styles that the Russian Tattoos are famous for, Khokhloma Russian tattoos portray a form of art that is typical to Siberia. It is because of the ample of black ink used in this art form, they are perfect for tattoos too.

Why did people get tattoos in the Soviet Union?

During the 20th century in the Soviet Union, Russian criminal and prison communities maintained a culture of using tattoos to indicate members’ criminal career and ranking. Specifically among those imprisoned under the Gulag system of the Soviet era, the tattoos served to differentiate a criminal leader or thief in law from a political prisoner.

What does the spider on my Shoulder mean in Russian?

Known ranks were captains, lieutenants and colonels. Tigers, leopards or snarling wolves are called Oskals, the Russian word for ‘Big Grin.’ These tattoos indicate aggression or hostility toward the authorities. The spider crawling on the right shoulder is indicative of a thief.

What do tattoos mean in prison in Russia?

Arkady describes some examples or Russian prison tattoos. ‘Tattoos can tell important things about a person, for example, how many times he was jailed. The body is often covered with clothes so they make tattoos as rings on fingers. One ring means one jail term.

What kind of tattoos does the Siberian Princess have?

Our young woman – the princess – has only her two arms tattooed. So they signified both age and status.’ The tattoos on the left shoulder of the ‘princess’ show a fantastical mythological animal: a deer with a griffon’s beak and a Capricorn’s antlers.

Why did people get tattoos in Russian prisons?

In the era of the Soviet party, Russian prisons were controlled by a gang known as the Thieves in Law. This gang enforced strict guidelines, including what and where prisoners could tattoo on their bodies. These tattoos became intricate works of art that detailed not only an inmate’s crimes, but a good portion of their lives.

Who was the princess with tattoos on her arms?

The woman, who is thought to have been a princess in the ancient Pazyryk culture, is believed to have taken cannabis to ease her suffering. The princesses shoulders, arms, wrist and fingers were found to be covered in intricate tattoos (pictured).