Fake Ivory & Monkey Skulls

[Petruchio]

It is getting close to time to visit family in the States, and the closer to flight time it gets (April 3rd), the more I get concerned about trouble with Security and the TSA over some souvenirs I bought to take to my family in my checked baggage.

I am no expert, but the ivory is almost certainly fake, since these short "tusks" are sold in pairs at almost every Hill Tribe market all over Northern Thailand, for dirt cheap. Real ivory is definately against the law to be bought, sold or transported. But fake or not, it could be a hassle if any one of the "authorities" aren't familiar with it, and/or who might decide to show off their conscientiousness by detaining me and causing me to miss my flights.

The 2 monkey skulls I bought over in Myanmar at Tachelik, and are genuine I believe (which someone might mistake for human skulls).

I would appreciate any definitive facts regarding the acceptability (or not) of the above items going through the checkpoints. Or, failing that, any sincere opinions, similar experiences and thoughts would also be appreciated.

Thanks, Petruchio

[Slaps]

Was going to slag you off for buying fake ivory but I wont

Was going to slag you off for the two Monkey skulls but your obviously weird so I wont

As they say gere

Up to You

But I do hope you get detained and miss your flight

[sceadugenga]

All animal products must be declared to US Customs. I doubt they want to see them just to ask you if you had a good holiday.

The tusks may well be elephant bone, I doubt elephant lovers will differentiate.

Those shops in Tachilek sell protected animal bones and skins, you may think that one or two skulls won't make a difference but wild life conservation has to start somewhere.

[mcgriffith]

I would say the sniffer dogs will have you red-tagged before you ever hit Customs.

Declare them (as obvious fakes) on the declaration form. All animal and plant products have to be clearly detailed. Has been so for decades, no millenia.

If you say nothing on the form, and you are tagged.....

[Watosh12000]

All animal products must be declared to US Customs. I doubt they want to see them just to ask you if you had a good holiday.

The tusks may well be elephant bone, I doubt elephant lovers will differentiate.

Those shops in Tachilek sell protected animal bones and skins, you may think that one or two skulls won't make a difference but wild life conservation has to start somewhere.

Thanks Scea. I had been "told" that the ivory was fake by several, and made of similar resins like the fake whales teeth that are sold around the world, but I don't know how to test or what to look for to be sure. That shop in Thachelik had a bear's scull for sale too, that I am sure is on the protected species list. I of course did not buy that. A couple of the same fellows told me that monkeys are not on the protected list and that these skulls are just picked up out in the wild (but who can be sure in any case).

I have misgivings about taking these items, and you seem to support those feelings. I don't need the hassle right now anyway, so I guess I'll just leave them decorating my little computer alcove.

[Watosh12000]

I would say the sniffer dogs will have you red-tagged before you ever hit Customs.

Declare them (as obvious fakes) on the declaration form. All animal and plant products have to be clearly detailed. Has been so for decades, no millenia.

If you say nothing on the form, and you are tagged.....

This is good info and good advice. Thanks McGriffith.

[villagefarang]

That sounds like a good move. You don't want to take a chance with US customs inspectors. Their reputation is well deserved.

[chang35baht]

And you don`t have any misgivings about the monkey skulls as decorative items????? Perhaps a coupe of nice canvasses of the bear skulls, as opposed to the real thing, wouldn`t dent your concience too much.

[Watosh12000]

And you don`t have any misgivings about the monkey skulls as decorative items????? Perhaps a coupe of nice canvasses of the bear skulls, as opposed to the real thing, wouldn`t dent your concience too much.

NONE WHATSOEVER. I will not be joining in with the slanging of you and your ilk, so go ahead and feel up each other's sweet spots.

By the way. I eat dead chickens too.

[Slaps]

And you don`t have any misgivings about the monkey skulls as decorative items????? Perhaps a coupe of nice canvasses of the bear skulls, as opposed to the real thing, wouldn`t dent your concience too much.

NONE WHATSOEVER. I will not be joining in with the slanging of you and your ilk, so go ahead and feel up each other's sweet spots.

By the way. I eat dead chickens too.

Monkey heads aside I'm a little confused

The OP was Petruchio

And now changed to Watosh12000