Coward Heir

A male tattoo or Pe'a is a central part of our culture and are associated with the rites of passage for men. our heir has come to age and he will receive a Pe'a so he can stop being telefua or naked. During the preparations, our heir shows confidence despite receiving a Pe'a being known as very painful. That confidence swiftly fades as the tufuga ta tatau or master tattooist starts. He cannot endure the pain and runs away. He has only a small mark, a Pe'a mutu, the mark of shame. Even if the Pe'a is finished some day, some will never consider him a Soga'imiti and respected for his courage.