The copper shield, or tináa, was an object of wealth and prestige among the Northwest Coast First Nations people. It was brought out to display during potlatch, and represented more than just the value of the copper.
Potlatch Dollars jewelry came out of considering the concept of money, as any self employed artist will do. Tináas once held a money-like value that today is held by dollar bills. A light came on, and Potlatch Dollars were born by superimposing images of money onto copper shields.
