Final answer:
The Vor V Zakone, a term related to the Russian criminal underworld, does not have a universal most prominent tattoo. The tattoos are deeply symbolic and indicate the criminal's rank and history. Historical tattoos can date back to ancient times and serve various purposes, including symbolic ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Vor V Zakone, or 'thieves in law', a term associated with the Russian criminal underworld, does not single out a specific tattoo as the most prominent universally. Instead, tattoos within this subculture are known to hold significant meanings, often indicating the criminal expertise, rank, and personal history of the bearer. It is important to understand that among the Vory v Zakone, tattoos are earned through a strict code of conduct and various criminal accomplishments.
In the historic context, tattoos have been used for various purposes such as sympathetic magic or decoration, and date back to ancient times. Tattoos like the ones found on "Otzi the Iceman," who had lines and crosses, were believed to have therapeutic or symbolic significance.
In Russian criminal culture, the body served as a canvas displaying one's criminal achievements and downfalls. For example, the tattoo of Voroshilov under a stern portrait, or tattoos resembling Soviet symbols or leaders, were sometimes used to declare loyalty or to indicate rank within the criminal world. However, the description provided earlier does not closely associate with the Vor V Zakone specific tattoos or symbolism.