If you ask anyone to name a symbol of a motorcycle gang, many will say a skull, but why has this imagery become so closely associated with bikers? You don’t have to look far to see skulls used in all kinds of ways in biker gang insignia.
The Hells Angels have their side-on skull with its distinctive helmet with angel wings and the Outlaws have a skull with crossed pistons behind it – a nice reframe of the classic skull and crossbones from the flag associated with pirates.
While these might be two of the most famous biker gangs in the world, they are far from alone in using skulls in their insignia. There are many reasons for this, as the skull has long been a symbol of resistance and courage. These are both traits associated with motorcycle clubs.
Wearing skulls, whether in the insignia on your biker jacket or incorporated into stainless steel rings, is also a powerful symbol of your commitment to biker culture. This culture is important if you aspire to join any of the world’s most famous biker clubs.
Take the Hells Angels as an example. Their members don’t just own bikes, they ride them – a lot. In fact, on average, Hells Angels members ride 20,000 miles together on their bikes through rides organised by their local charters. They’re a community and they support one another.
The Outlaws, meanwhile, define themselves as “1%ers”. This means their members ride out in all weathers and use their motorcycles as much as possible. Like the Hells Angels, members of the Outlaws also ride together, covering tens of thousands of miles each year as a community dedicated to this way of life.
So, if you’re looking for any new stainless steel jewellery to add to your biker collection, keep an eye out for pieces that feature skulls so that you too pay homage to one of the most iconic symbols of biker culture.
