Chicano Tattoos

The history of Chicano tattoos

Chicano tattoos first appeared in the 1940s and 1950s. At that time, many men in California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona wore these designs on their skin; often, they could even be used to identify gang members.

Most of the designs were created in prison and tattooed on-site using a needle and simple ink, typically black, as no other colors were available. One of the classic motifs from that time is the Pachuco cross between the thumb and forefinger.

Chicano Tattoo Forearm

Chicano tattoos only established themselves as a distinct tattoo style in the 1960s. Typical symbols include skulls, weapons, masks, and women.

Chicano tattoos remain extremely popular today, and at Skull Tattoos you can get your own Chicano tattoo! Write to us or stop by for a personal consultation, we look forward to welcoming you to our tattoo studio near Frankfurt.