Spider Tattoos are universal marks and identities of people who are detained in prisons for a long time. It has been a belief that spider webs tattoo represent spiders being caught and imprisoned, which are always associated to detainees for years. It can be distinguished in any part of the body like the legs, arms, and even the neck. People also deem it as part of rituals of a group or a gang, or any association that requires body marks.

Spider tattoos started around the 1940’s with a gang named Aryan that was distinctly known for wearing such tattoos on their elbow. They were known for minority killings during that time. Through the years, there are also codes given to communicate with other gang members. Even at this time, people still perceive it as the sign of aggression, vindication, hate, and killing. However, some are showcasing it to define strength and masculinity.

Today, tattoos no longer serve as badges for people who had been in penitentiaries. Other men use it as a pseudo mark to show off their concealed character and status. It is pseudo for cognizance before the society and within family circles. These should not be used to hide individual distinction or to have group faction but present the real individuality.