PRISON SHANK 017

Collection

American Prison System · Weapons

Origin

Arthur Kill Correctional Facility
Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA

Medium

Steel and cord

Association

Manufactured by an incarcerated individual for close-quarters combat within a correctional facility.

Description

Improvised prison weapon fabricated from a single cylindrical steel rod sharpened to a tapered point. The lower portion of the rod is flattened to form an integral handle, eliminating the need for a separate grip. The steel exhibits extensive corrosion and oxidation across its surface. A short length of light-colored cord is tightly wrapped around the transition between the blade and handle, with loose ends extending outward, likely serving as a retention lanyard or suspension loop.

1/2

Other items

CALIFORNIA CHICANO PRISON PAÑO 003 Private collection / American Gang Culture / American Prison System / Prison Art

PRISON SHANK 001 Private collection / American Prison System / Weapons

TEXAS CHICANO PRISON DRAWING 002 Private collection / American Gang Culture / American Prison System / Prison Art

FLORIDA WHITE PRISON GANG MEMBER DRAWING Private collection / American Gang Culture / American Prison System / Prison Art

LA EME MEMBER PRISON PHOTO ALBUM Private collection / American Gang Culture / American Prison System / Photographs