Mafia Tattoo Photo #7389

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.

Originating from centuries-old cultural practices, tribal designs carry symbolic weight through their patterns and placement. Modern tribal tattoos adapt these traditional motifs into contemporary compositions that honor the style's heritage.

The ribcage offers a private placement that only shows when the wearer chooses. Its curved surface adds dimension to designs, though the area is known for being one of the more sensitive spots to tattoo.