| The export of certain Inuit sculpture from Canada to | | | | of the United States. The export of such artwork |
| other parts of the world including the United States | | | | created from marine mammals from the United States |
| does have some restrictions. In order to reduce | | | | to Canada is not allowed.Inuit sculpture containing |
| harvesting of marine animals such as whales and | | | | whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (both considered |
| walruses, the United States Congress passed the | | | | ivory) are restricted from import and export. However, |
| Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. It was later | | | | Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed since |
| modified in 1981 and a special section (101) of the act | | | | caribou is not a marine mammal and therefore does |
| was developed to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other | | | | not fall under this act.Exporting Inuit sculpture containing |
| aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 | | | | whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international |
| allowed Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of | | | | destinations will depend on each specific country as |
| hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of | | | | each has its own specific regulations. Fines or penalties |
| such animals as raw materials in the making of clothes, | | | | for importing or exporting illegal items can be very |
| crafts and artwork.The act makes it illegal for | | | | severe.Fortunately, other forms of Inuit art such as |
| American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone | | | | stone or antler carvings and prints are not only able to |
| from outside the United States. Therefore, American | | | | be exported across the border, but are actually duty |
| citizens would not be allowed to purchase any artwork | | | | free.Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery ( an |
| containing ivory or whalebone from Canada and have | | | | online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest |
| it brought or shipped back to the United States. | | | | Native American art including carvings, sculpture and |
| However, the act as it stands allows American citizens | | | | prints. |
| to purchase similar artwork from Alaska since it is part | | | | |