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