Worry beads. Nikolai's set comes from a real Russian prisoner, who gave them to Viggo Mortensen to use during filming. They were made from melted down BIC cigarette lighters.
Three Cupolas (Towers) on back: Three terms in prison;Virgin Mary with Child on abdomen: I am true to my friends / My conscience is clear (could also mean "prison is my home");Raven on shoulder: Death, I am not yours;Starburst on finger: I became a criminal because of poverty and a broken home;Cross on finger: I was in the Crosses (a prison in St. Petersburg);Black-and-white diamond on finger: I deny official authority / I disobeyed rules while in prison;Grim Reaper on abdomen: Death is always waiting for me;Sun and sea with Cyrillic meaning "NORTH" on back of hand: I was in prison in the North;Crucifix on chest: Professional Thief / I will not betray you;Skull on shoulder: Stay away from me / Murderer;Tattoos around ankles: "Where are you going?" and "What the fuck do you care?" written in Russian.
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