David Kemp has done
a study of convict tattoos, and gives on the
whole a more romantic explanation for the variety of initials
and
symbols found amongst the records of those he studied. A
summary
of
his findings is found at this website:
Historian probes the story of convicts' tattoos
Anchor | Hope and constancy |
Man carrying anchor | I carry my hopes with me |
Man beside upside down anchor | I have lost all hope |
Woman holding scales and an anchor | I have hope in justice |
Anchor and crucifix | I have hope in salvation |
Flowerpot | Any suggestions? |
Links
Chain
Letters
Tattoo History
(Some interesting reading here)
Convict
Love
Tokens
Convicts and Tobacco (Possibly relevant if your
ancestor had
"pipe" amongst his tatts)
Thomas
Burberry's
Farewell Love Token
Tattoos
Publications
"Written On The
Body: The Tattoo in European and American History".
Author: edited by Jane Caplan published by Thames & Hudson.
Includes an article by Hamish Maxwell-Stuart,
Research Fellow
University of Tasmania, on Religious Tattoos.
Age review of the book
Horseshoe = Luck
Doves = Peace
Heart = Charity
Anchor = Hope
Cross = Faith
Wheel = Circle of Life
Symbols of Playing Cards = Life is a gamble
Flower Pots = Costermongers