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Tattoos of the Marielitos
1Dade County Department of Human Resources, Office of Rehabilitative Services, Miami, Florida.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Tattoos on Cuban refugees from the 1980 Mariel Boatlift often indicate prior prison stays in Cuba. These markings frequently signify religious affiliations with Afro-Caribbean cults rather than specific criminal roles.
Area of Science:
- Cultural Anthropology
- Criminology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Tattoos on Cuban refugees arriving during the 1980 Mariel Boatlift have been linked to criminal activity and religious practices.
- Understanding the symbolic meanings behind these tattoos is crucial for interpreting refugee experiences and cultural affiliations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance and meanings of tattoos among Cuban refugees, particularly those from the Mariel Boatlift.
- To differentiate between tattoos indicating criminal history versus religious or cultural affiliations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a series of interviews, starting with informal discussions and progressing to a formal survey instrument.
- Analyzed tattoo examples from the Dade County Medical Examiner Department files to supplement interview data.
Main Results:
- Tattoos generally signify prior incarceration in Cuban prisons.
- Tattoos rarely indicate specific criminal specializations.
- Many tattoos reflect affiliations with Afro-Caribbean cults (Santeria, Palo Mayombe, Abakua Secret Society) and Cuban jail subculture values.
Conclusions:
- Tattoos on Mariel Cuban refugees serve as indicators of past experiences, primarily incarceration and religious/cultural affiliations.
- The study highlights the complex semiotics of tattoos within specific socio-cultural contexts, moving beyond simplistic criminal associations.