My last post didn't 'take'.

I had to correct a mis-statement of mine. Far from being just one sea otter pelt, I now find that it is from TWELVE sea otters, using only the prime part (the smaller parts of the pelt are used for hats and scarves and boots and the like. They waste nothing. Not to mention, they even eat the otter.)

This same Native friend a couple of years ago killed a sea otter and made a parka from its fur. He then offered it on eBay- which turned it down. He offered to show them the provenance and the authentication and they still said they would not handle it. He said he understands the thinking - he then traded the parka for a boat and then sold the boat.

Keep in mind that in the north animal skins have often meant the difference between life and death of the wearer. A far cry from the matron sporting a fur stole in Miami.