Today, barbed wire still keeps animals at a safe distance, but it is more often seen in human situations. In areas where people need to be kept in place (prisons and other penal institutions), looped coils of barbed wire or razor wire are usually seen at the top of the fences surrounding the area. This acts as a great barrier to anyone who's thinking of escape.

Barbed Wire Tattoos

Most of the people, who opt for a barbed wire tattoo, do so because of its association with strength and tough attitudes. Barbed wire is known for being extremely strong and prickly and a tattoo of this material can show that the one who sports it is just like that material. Barbed wire tattoos are popular as biker tattoos, and they are often seen along with flames on the upper arms of men who want to display their strength. Some people choose to get barbed wire tattooed on themselves because of the association with the Wild West. If you are interested in Western themed tattoos but feel that a cow skull or horse tattoo is just a bit too overtly used, barbed wire is a good way to show your inclination for the West without going overboard.

Getting a Barbed Wire Tattoo

Generally, barbed wire tattoos are done in shades of grey and black. There is actually no colors found in real barbed wire, so most artists choose to stick to black ink. Sample can vary from the usual twists of steel wire with pointed barbs at explicitly spaced stations, to more complex barbed wire designs. The design used for actual barbed wire has altered over the years and there are many different patterns to choose from. Moreover, you may even choose to get a barbed wire tattoo that looks as if it's poking into your skin, comprehensive with blood drops. These tattoos can be representative of pain and torment, instead of just the typical implication.

Barbed Wire Tats: Body Location

Barbed wire makes for a natural band, so most people choose to get their barbed wire tattoos around an limb, instead of in a spot like the back or chest. Many people get their tats around the upper arm, such as in the case of Pamela Anderson, the owner of perhaps the world's most famous barbed wire tat. Men are more expected to be seen with this particular tattoo, however. Other spots where barbed wire can be seen include around wrists and ankles - ideal places for a bracelet of wire and spikes.