The word tattoo reportedly is derived from the Tahitian word "tatu." Some believe that tattoos go back as long ago as 12,000 BC but in recorded history, they can be traced back to approximately the time the great pyramids were being constructed in Ancient Egypt.
Tattoos have long been used to identify people in many cultures. The gang culture of today is no different. Street and prison gang members use tattoos for several reasons. First, gang members will frequently have numerous tattoos, particularly if they have spent time in prison. These tattoos may include one or more symbols that the gang has adopted as something unique to identify the gang and its members. Other tattoos might be a teardrop under an eye, spider webs to indicate prison time, or a popular phrase such as "Thug Life." Second, tattoos are worn and used for intimidation. Many members, particularly if the gang has a propensity for violence, will have the gang name tattooed in large bold letters so that other persons or gang members will know what gang the person represents.
Wearing an unauthorized gang tattoo could be hazardous to a person’s health, particularly in prison. Prison gang inmates have been known to remove unauthorized tattoos on non-gang members by cutting the tattoo from the person’s flesh.
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