I/we do re-enactments of Native American Lenape tribal things.  One
good but semi-racist reason that persons from tribes not native to
the U.S. (Germans, French, Chinese, etc.) are not allowed to possess
eagle feathers, even if they are old ones, is the possibility that it
would add fuel to the market for those feathers, and result in the
killing of more eagles.  It's too difficult to tell the age difference.

The same reasoning, which I support, goes for the ivory on our piano
keyboards.  It would be nice if there were a way to allow our player
pianos from the 1920s and '30s to be exempt.  I think they're old
enough, and I believe a way should be found.  My Duo-Arts (an upright
Stroud, a 4' Marionette, a 7'6 Steinway and a 9'6 Steinway) all have
ivory keyboards.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I hate plastic.
I wouldn't allow it in the house.

We would have made excellent Canadian citizens in every way.  We were
not entertained by the willingness of the U.S. customs put the kybosh
on our retirement for a political mascot.  We had to wonder if our
Native American regalia would have been subjected to the same scrutiny.

Perhaps this is a matter an international organization like AMICA
could address.  Something really should be done.  I think both of our
political parties need to rethink the matter.  I believe our collector's
items should be exempt, somehow.

Bruce Grimes