Crime expressed in ink : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

Post (1968) states that a butterfly tattoo may have represented burglars, whereas a flying eagle with a girl gripped in its claws indicates that the bearer is a pimp, or a convicted rapist (Barksby, 2013). Likewise, a link between tattoo and criminality is expressed by Groom (n.d.) stating that a broadly used tattoo by murderers is the image of a knife or dagger. Various studies show that a correlation between crime and tattoos exist. This research sought to investigate whether a correlation between indelible images and crime or criminal activities also prevails in Malta. This research involves interviews with professionals seeking to understand their different perspectives within artistic, executive and penitentiary fields. These three groups contribute by expressing their knowledge and experiences within their professional field about tattoos linked to crime in a local context. Study findings suggest that there is a link in Malta similar to that registered in past studies, however, findings also suggest that we have some unique characteristics. This research also suggest that tattooing in prisons is equally important, thus, encouraging inmates to create their own tattooing mechanisms. This study concludes, by suggesting a set of recommendations and possible areas for future research.