Mafia Tattoo Photo #7355

The relationship between organized crime and body marking stretches across centuries and continents, from Sicilian cosa nostra to Japanese yakuza to Russian vory v zakone. Understanding these visual codes from a historical and cultural perspective reveals how ink has been used as identification, hierarchy, and binding oath within closed criminal societies.

Using lines of varying thickness to define shape and depth, linework tattoos achieve expression through economy. The absence of shading keeps the focus on the quality and flow of each stroke.

The chest is a bold placement choice that stays mostly concealed under clothing. Its proximity to the heart makes it a popular spot for meaningful symbols, text, and portrait work.