The Aryan Brotherhood originated in 1967 in the San Quentin State Prison in California. The gang formed as a protective shield against the increase in black and Mexican inmates attacking white inmates.
Members display many white supremacist, neo-nazi characteristics and ideology and often incorporated it into tattoos with a series symbols and letters.
The name “Aryan Brotherhood“ or “AB“ is among the gang identifiers often found on the tattoos of gang members.
Other identifiers include:
- AB, heart, and swords
- Shamrock clover leaf
- Initials "AB"
- Swastikas
- Double lighting bolts
- The numbers "666" - a satanic symbol
- The name of the state the member resides in.