The Forensic and Cultural Implications of Tattooing

Ned Kelly tattoos – Origins and forensic implications

“…Traditional designs included animals, sailing ships, roses, hearts, daggers, and scrolls with the names of family members. 1 However, once an image takes on an antisocial message it is often added to other designs, such as the Eureka flag found in two of the decedents (Fig. 6).…”

“…Tattoos have been found in most communities and cultural groups for thousands of years and have been used for a variety of purposes ranging from the identification of higher classes, to the marking of prisoners. 1 In certain criminal groups such as the Yakuza in Japan, and inmates of Russian and Soviet prisons tattooing may be extremely elaborate and record the history of the wearer. 2 Tattoos may be useful forensically to assist with identification and to provide some indication of the possible history of a decedent.…”

“…Primitive line tattoos with antisocial and anti-police messages may indicate previous imprisonment. 1,2 Certain tattoos are specific to particular cultural groups or countries. In Australia a tattoo that may be encountered at forensic autopsy is one depicting a nineteenth century bushranger (outlaw), Ned Kelly.…”

Tattoos Containing Useful Messages

“…While tattoos may be markers for individuals who have engaged in criminal activities (eg, tattoos may signify gang membership, an illegal drug habit, or time spent in prison), a much wider and more diverse population is now being inked. 2,3 As such, the potential association of tattoos with violent deaths would be more clearly delineated by performing a population-based study of living individuals.…”

“…Examples include "DNR" for "do not resuscitate" and "no PEG" for not having a feeding gastrostomy tube inserted. 2,3 Unique tattoos that may assist with the identification of a traumatized, burnt, or decomposed body include fine-line tattoos of family members or names and dates commemorating significant events such as births or marriages. Particular types of tattoos may indicate a country or region of origin.…”