Tattoo rings - descriptions and meanings in prison and in the zone

The tattoo ring is often associated by people with the criminal world. But it is important to know that not all rings carry a negative meaning.

Prison ring tattoos are considered classic tattoos and often play the role of a calling card. When inmates first meet, it is a quick way to get an overall picture of each other's condition. Tattoo rings are not only worn by men, but also by some women. They are very similar to men's tattoos and usually signify that they are professional criminals.

Unlike other signs on the body, ring tattoos are usually not done against the will of the wearer.

But there are exceptions. For example, tattoos symbolizing the lowest ranks, often the most humiliating, are done against a person's will, so if a convict is transferred to another prison, his rank will be well known and he will not be able to take a higher hierarchical position than what has been assigned.

History of prison tattoos

Prisons around the world contain prisoners with ornate and mysterious tattoos. Much time has been spent deciphering their meaning. Many such tattoos symbolize the ranks, deeds and personal details of the wearer.

Most of the famous Russian prison tattoo designs originated with retired Russian police officer Arkady Bronnikov, who assembled a large portfolio of existing tattoos from the 1960s and 1980s. He was responsible for documenting and interviewing Russian prisoners at the time. For 30 years he created the largest archive known today, perhaps the most interesting of which is the ring tattoo.

Key meanings

Here is the basic variety of documented ring tattoos and suggestions for approaching such personalities (at one time):

Was imprisoned.

This tattoo plays a purely informational role; anyone can get one as long as they are incarcerated.

Lost Childhood

Convicts who spent their childhood incarcerated usually get this tattoo.

Serving time in its entirety.

This means that the inmate has served their entire sentence without parole or amnesty. It is recommended that you use as little prison jargon as possible when talking to this person, especially if you do not have full knowledge of it.

Serving time for murder or assault

There are two types of people who wear this tattoo on their finger. One can be a real cold-blooded killer; such must be handled with care. Another type was under the influence when he committed the crime; who, despite the tattoo, may be mild and easygoing. Either way, they should be treated with balanced courtesy.

Convicted of battery.

Convicts who wear this tattoo should be treated with caution. Do not approach them trying to establish dominance, but do not allow them to insult you either.

Convicted of robbery.

Usually people who engage in battering are more cowardly. They are less willing to attack groups of people and tend to target individuals. If you share a cell with an inmate who wears this tattoo, try not to gamble with them; don't poke big fun at them in front of other inmates. Even if they don't attack you directly, they may attack you when you least expect them, such as in your sleep.

Convicted of theft

This tattoo is associated with thieves and people who feel the need to form associational groups, so-called gangs and other syndicates. The way to deal with them is this: politely reject all their suggestions and be careful what you say. Keep more to yourself, because they can use anything against you.

Convicted of disorderly conduct

This tattoo can also be placed on your earbuds, can also be read as" prosperity for violence "or" cannot be rehabilitated."

The only way to deal with them is to impose strict rules and quickly punish if those rules are broken.

Rooster or homosexual

This finger tattoo symbolizes the lowest ringer in the criminal world. All convicts try to avoid these people.Rooster status is given to a person with low willpower and those who have been convicted of rape or attempted rape, as well as those who have been unable to pay off a card debt. This tattoo is usually done against the person's will.

Communicating with a convicted person with this title is damaging to your reputation and can lead to you getting the same tattoo. It is advised not to socialize too much with "roosters," but not to be overly disrespectful either.

Six

This tattoo on the finger implies that the individual serves one of the pod bosses and performs choruses for them. It is advisable to be careful of "sixes," as they tend to spy on the entire pod.

Three Towers and 3K.

A design illustrating correctional institutions. People with this tattoo on their finger want you to know that they have been incarcerated.

Dot

Symbolizes possible escapes from correctional facilities. The number of dots or crosses means attempts.

In Memory of Parents

This drawing symbolizes the long memory of the individual's parents, who died when they were incarcerated. But there may be another meaning here. This person is trying to get revenge on law enforcement officers. A hill with lines through it means that this person did what he/she wanted.

Following in the footsteps of a beloved father.

This design is used by the descendants of convicted criminals.

Although some tattoos and their meanings have changed over time, it is important to continue to study and document these tattoos because they are a means of understanding the inner workings of prison culture.