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Looks like there's a lot of variability in how people extract the stones at home. I use a much different method than what is pictured in the thread...
I'll split the top of the head directly down the middle between the eyes then open it up from the top like a hotdog bun. With a sharp heavy knife, you can cleanily split the skull lengthwise. Then you just stick your fat little fingers in the cavities behind the eyes and the otoliths will just fall out. But be carefull to cut right down the center though, or you might damage the stones. Some guys will use a hacksaw for this cut.
The chumash indians who hunted the waters of southern california considered the otoliths to linked to the spirit of the animal, and that they bring good luck. They were also used by the chumash as a form of currency. I know once I got my first pair, many more followed in short order!
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