I’m hoping they’ll also exempt Brazilian rosewood (in CITES I) in finished musical instruments.
Brazilian Rosewood will always be CITES I. As far as the delisting of oter Dalbergias, I have only heard that it oertains to African Blackwood and no other rosewoods. It is still only a proposal by the Standing Committee but has to be voted on an agreed upon at the May meeting in Sri Lanka, according to my CITES inspector who I saw Thursday. He hinted earlier in the fall that they were considering this.
Keep using your permits everyone. Don’t take chances.
Casey
What’s interesting is that it’s being hailed by the leading pipemakers in Scotland as a done deal:
About your warning about not taking chances, I’ve taken that to heart with my Highland pipes. I’ve sold off my beautiful ivory-mounted vintage pipes and I now only play ivory-free vintage pipes. The Ivory Age is over, let the Catalin Age return!
But many Highland pipers are still playing their ivory sets for which they have no CITES permits. Unless Obama’s Executive Order has been lifted these pipes are subject to seizure.
And by the way Casey thanks for that wonderful post above!! The memories it brings back of those wonderful people you mention. I visited Rod Cameron’s shop, what an amazing thing it was. Speaking of CITES as we are, incredulous now to recall that Rod was turning a flute out of solid ivory when I visited! He said it was to be played in concert in Japan in a week’s time.
What a wonderful thread. Thank you, all.
As testimony to the openness of some makers… A few years back, maybe 8 or so, I had one of Casey’s folk flutes that I had purchased from a member. The seller said he simply could not get it to play well. On receipt, I also noticed some challenges in playability. I discovered a crack in the headjoint. I have the good fortune of living less than an hour from Casey. I contacted him and asked what it would take to get a new headjoint. He invited me up to his place. I went.
He inspected the flute. Spent a couple hours showing me his shop, his process and some incredible flutes. Then we stumbled on to another mutual passion. Guitars. He invited my wife and me to join hI’m and his wife for a cup of tea. Another hour or so flew by. He broke out a beautiful guitar that a friend down south had made for him. He let me play it for quite awhile. It was a wonderful and wonder filled day. One that I will always remember.
Anyway, Casey asked me to leave the flute with him. A little later, I received a new headjoint in the mail. It was perfect. I called and asked what I owed. He refused any payment. Wouldn’t even let me pay for the postage.
Casey, I don’t know if you remember, but I will never forget and always cherish your hospitality, your kindness, your artistry and great heart. Thank you.
We now return this thread to its normal programming.