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.
Gangs members use tattoos for several reasons.
First, gang members will frequently have numerous tattoos, particularly if they have spent time in prison. 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.