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