Export and Import of Inuit Eskimo Art Sculpture

April 13, 2013 robot Uncategorized

The export of particular Inuit sculpture from Canada to other components of the planet like the United States does have some restrictions. In order to minimize 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 specific section (101) of the act was created to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 permitted Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of hunting marine mammals for food and making use of components of such animals as raw materials in the generating of clothing, crafts and artwork.

The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outdoors the United States. For that reason, 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 makes it possible for American citizens to acquire comparable artwork from Alaska given that it is portion of the United States. The export of such artwork designed from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not allowed.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (each deemed ivory) are restricted from import and export. Even so, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is permitted since caribou is not a marine mammal and for that reason does not fall below this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will rely on each and every precise nation as every has its own certain regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal products can be very severe.

Thankfully, other types of Inuit art such as stone or antler carvings and prints are not only in a position to be exported across the border, but are truly duty free.

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