| The export of certain Inuit sculpture from Canada to | | | | States. Therefore, American citizens would not be |
| other parts of the world including the United States | | | | allowed to purchase any artwork containing ivory or |
| does have some restrictions. In order to reduce | | | | whalebone from Canada and have it brought or |
| harvesting of marine animals such as whales and | | | | shipped back to the United States. However, the act |
| walruses, the United States Congress passed the | | | | as it stands allows American citizens to purchase |
| Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. It was later | | | | similar artwork from Alaska since it is part of the |
| modified in 1981 and a special section (101) of the act | | | | United States. The export of such artwork created |
| was developed to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other | | | | from marine mammals from the United States to |
| aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 | | | | Canada is not allowed. |
| allowed Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of | | | | Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal |
| hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of | | | | tusks (both considered ivory) are restricted from |
| such animals as raw materials in the making of clothes, | | | | import and export. However, Inuit sculpture containing |
| crafts and artwork. | | | | caribou antler is allowed since caribou is not a marine |
| The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import | | | | mammal and therefore does not fall under this act. |
| any ivory or whalebone from outside the United | | | | |