In the
old days, no one really bothered about endangered species and wild
life protection. On the contrary, rich and powerful, indulged in
hunting expeditions, killing scores of animals to their heart's
content. In those days hunting was considered a rich man's sport.
Some animal body parts like ivory and tortoise shells were commonly
used for many decorative and other applications. Billiard balls used
to be manufactured from ivory. On the same lines, musical instruments
of the yesteryear, had components made from certain animal body
parts. Piano keys used to be made from ivory and Violin bows were
crafted from tortoise shells.
Many
of these musical instruments from yesteryear, not only still survive,
but are eagerly wanted by many performing artists for accompaniment
during their performances around the world. There is a small hitch.
The 178-member Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) formed by nations of the world has not only banned
use of animal body parts being used in future manufacture of things
like billiard balls and musical instruments; it also recommends its
member nations to exercise tight control at its ports and airports to
see that no such instruments are imported or exported. This creates a
great difficulty for the performance artists, who want these
instruments to be brought in the country, where they plan to perform.
Some of these artists travel extensively for concerts throughout the
world very frequently and with a very tight schedule. Moving these
vintage musical instruments available to them from one country to
other, involves time-consuming paperwork and bears a continuous risk
of seizure. Many owners of such vintage musical instruments have even
indulged in drastic measures, such as removing ivory keys from
pianos.
A
Stradivarius or Strad is one of the violins, cellos, and other
stringed instruments built by members of the Stradivari
(Stradivarius) family, particularly Antonio Stradivari, during the
17th and 18th centuries. These are considered as ultimate musical
instruments because according to their reputation, the quality of
their sound has defied attempts to explain or equal it. Japan’s
Nippon Music Foundation has in its proud possession one such
Stradivarius violin and lends it to renowned performers for their
performances around the world.
Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), have recently
come out with a solution for this problem. They have now agreed to
create a system of certificates for such instruments, which currently
need a new permit from each country every time they travel. These new
certificates would be like the multi-entry visa passports issued for
that particular for instrument The pre-condition would be that the
instrument must have been made before international trade
restrictions for the relevant species came into effect. These
passports for musical instruments would be valid for three years for
non-commercial movements.
Kazuko
Shiomi, president of Japan’s Nippon Music Foundation, says that the
move would end a major headache for international musicians who want
to borrow its priceless Stradivarius for their performances. The US
National Association of Music Merchants has welcomed the passport
scheme as “a good first step” towards making it easier for
musical instruments to cross borders. Another British expert
specializing in antique pianos says: “No one wants to harm
elephants but it seems a little ridiculous to have to apply for a
CITES (permit) for a 120--year old piano,” Very true!
Perhaps
this is likely to be the first instance, when non living entities are
being issued multi-entry, Visa-Passports.
14
March 2013
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