Restrictions on native craft purchases??

[shookdm]

I heard that it's illegal to take some forms of baleen and ivory out of Alaska, but things like fossilized ivory is OK, since it doesn't encourage poaching. Anyone know the deal on these restrictions? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

DMS
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Spirit 9/1

[Genessa]

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe that you may purchase it (and remove from Alaska) if the piece is artistic - something has to have been "done" to the item by an Alaskan native and then it can be sold.

[tinydancer21]

It also has to be signed by an Alaskan native. If you by items at a gift store they should be fine, we don't have many street vendors like Mexico or something, just buy stuff in a store and it will be O.K. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Good choice though, baleen is really cool!
Another cool Alskan thing is an Oosik, (aka walrus peepee), it sound gross but once they are polished and stuff they are pretty cool, expensive though.

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9/04 Pride Second Anniversary, First Honeymoon!

[Yukon]

tinydancer, you're right - an oosik makes a great souvenir of Alaska! I love the look on people's faces after they've closely examined a two-foot long piece of bone and then been told that an oosik is a walrus baculum - or penis bone! [url="http://www.inuitart.com/dynamic/artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=21"]http://www.inuitart.com/dynamic/artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=21[/url]

Here's the official site explaining export conditions of ivory (and other items) - [url="http://www.dced.state.ak.us/dca/nag/ivory.htm"]http://www.dced.state.ak.us/dca/nag/ivory.htm[/url]

Murray

[shookdm]

Thanks!! I'll have to get my boyfirend a oosik!

DMS
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Spirit 9/1

[Gardyloo]

Okay, since you didn't ask...

Ode to an Oosik
(Public domain)

Strange things have been done in the Midnight Sun and the story books are full –
But the strangest tale concerns the male, magnificent walrus bull!

I know it’s rude, quite common and crude, perhaps it is grossly unkind;
But with first glace at least, this bewhiskered beast, is as ugly in front as behind.

Look once again, take a second look – then you’ll see he’s not ugly or vile –
There’s the hint of a grin, in the blubbery chin and the eyes have a sly secret smile.
How can this be, this clandestine glee that exudes from the walrus like music.
He knows, there inside, beneath blubber and hide lies a splendid contrivance – the Oosik!

“Oosik” you say – and quite well you may, I’ll explain if you keep it between us;
In the simplest truth, though rather uncouth, “Oosik” is, in fact, his penis!

Now the size alone of this walrus bone would indeed arouse envious thinking –
It is also a fact, documented and backed, there is never a softening or shrinking!

This, then, is why the smile is so sly, the walrus is rightfully proud.
Though the climate is frigid, the walrus is rigid, pray, why is not man so endowed?

Added to this, is a smile you might miss – though the bull is entitled to bow –
The one to out-smile our bull by a mile is the satisfied walrus cow!

[Fondy]

Excellent Poem! I'm going to steal it and mail it off to friends while we're in Alaska! You made my day . . . 79 more and I'll be looking for the interesting parts on the mighty walrus myself!