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