Deciphering Hidden Meanings
Face Tattoos
"SWP" stands for Supreme White Power. Facial tattoos show a strong commitment to a philosophy.
Maltese Cross
Hitler added a Nazi Swastika to the center of the Maltese Cross and adopted it as a symbol of the Third Reich. Today, the cross with or without Swastika is used to show allegiance to Hitler.
Earning One's Bolts
Bolts are earned by committing a violent act on a minority. Colored bolts can symbolize a murder. This tattoo is filled with six skulls, perhaps to represent the number of years spent in prison.
The Eighth Letter
A skinhead warrior and Confederate flag states racial philosophy. H is the eighth letter in the alphabet, and "88" is code among Neo-Nazis for "Heil Hitler".
Peckerwood
"Peckerwood" was first used by Civil War slaves to describe lower class whites. Today, it is a common white tattoo used to show racial pride. "Featherwood" is used by women.
A Composition of Tattoos
This inmate adorns his back with several tattoos: "SWP" for "Supreme White Power"; the words "Down" and "Wood, both white pride symbols; double lightning bolts; and in the center, a Swastika.
SWP Variation
This inmate punctuates his "SWP" or "Supreme White Power" tattoo with Swastikas to reinforce his racial philosophy.
88
"88" is used by Neo-Nazis as shorthand for "Heil Hitler" because H is the eighth letter of the alphabet.
War Birds
War Birds are earned by participating in a racial riot.
Hidden Tattoos
Not all tattoos are meant to be seen. This inmate has scrawled Swastikas and "Insane" inside his lower lip.
Pictures and text courtesy of Ken Whitley, copyright © 2002