Export of Inuit Sculpture Containing Whalebone or Ivory
The export of certain Inuit sculpture from Canada to other
parts of the world including the United States does have some
restrictions. In order to reduce harvesting of marine animals
such as whales and walruses, the United States Congress passed
the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. It was later modified
in 1981 and a special section (101) of the act was developed to
exclude Eskimo Inuit and other aboriginals living in the state
of Alaska. Section 101 allowed Alaskan Natives to continue their
traditions of hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of
such animals as raw materials in the making of clothes, crafts
and artwork.
The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any
ivory or whalebone from outside the United States. Therefore,
American citizens would not be allowed to purchase any artwork
containing ivory or whalebone from Canada and have it brought or
shipped back to the United States. However, the act as it stands
allows American citizens to purchase similar artwork from Alaska
since it is part of the United States. The export of such
artwork created from marine mammals from the United States to
Canada is not allowed.
Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks
(both considered ivory) are restricted from import and export.
However, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed
since caribou is not a marine mammal and therefore does not fall
under this act.
Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from
Canada to other international destinations will depend on each
specific country as each has its own specific regulations. Fines
or penalties for importing or exporting illegal items can be
very severe.
(To see this article complete with photos of Inuit art, see
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca)