The Bir Hooker relic, a 38-centimetre-long finger found in Egypt, is a giant mummified finger from Egypt. Some believe it is evidence of an ancient race of giants.

October 16, 2024

In April 1988, Swiss club owner Gregor Spörri travelled to Egypt armed with a number of books recommended by a friend to learn about ancient Egyptian culture. It was a trip that would change his life forever.

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During this trip to Egypt, Spörri often found himself at the Great Pyramid, where he wanted to find out if there was any biocosmic energy inside. To achieve his goal, he crawled through shafts, bribed overseers, and spent endless hours in various sarcophagi waiting for evidence of an energy supply. In vain. Spörri believed that if you placed a bottle filled with water on top of the Great Pyramid it would explode due to cosmic energy. He performed the experiment but unfortunately nothing happened.

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Swiss club owner Gregor Sporri travelled to Egypt armed with recommended books to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian culture. (Courtesy of ©Gregor Sporri)

Spörri’s trip was almost over when the bartender at the hotel where he was staying told him that he knew of an interesting excursion for him (the bartender had been observing him and noticed that he was interested in extraordinary cases). Spörri was curious and decided to go on the excursion. On the penultimate day of his vacation, early in the morning, a taxi picked him up to take him to his destination. The bartender showed the driver a crumpled note with the address and the trip began.

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Nagib’s secret legacy: the unearthed relic of Bir Hooker

The journey was 2 hours to the district of Bir Hooker, a place close to the city of Sadat, located about 100 kilometers northwest of Cairo. They stopped at a farm where Spörri met an elderly farmer named Nagib. Nagib is a descendant of an ancient family of grave robbers. From a legacy from his ancestors, Nagib inherited two wooden boxes filled with valuables that provided him with a good income over the years. The stolen treasures were sold to Western tourists and the proceeds were used to buy land in Nagib. However, there was one item that he never sold and that had been in his family’s possession for 150 years. Only a few people had ever seen this object.

Nagib was in financial difficulties, so he proposed that Spörri could view this particular object, photograph it, and preserve it for a fee of $300. Spörri sat on a wooden bench while Nagib pulled out a wooden box and lifted the lid. As a musty smell rose into the air, he pulled out an elongated package, wrapped in a leather cloth with lace around it. Beneath the leather cloth, there were old rags wrapped around a strange-looking object. When Nagib unwrapped the package, an oblong, grayish-brown object emerged. He carefully placed the object in the hands of Spörri, who examined it with curiosity. Suddenly he realized that he was holding a gigantic mummified finger.

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A Polaroid photograph of the finger and an X-ray taken in the 1960s (Courtesy of ©Gregor Sporri)

It was no ordinary finger, as it was at least 35 centimetres (13.77 in) long and about 6 centimetres (2.36 in) thick. Spörri examined the finger in detail and was able to determine that what he was holding was old, organic and humanoid. The finger seemed to have been cut off with anatomical precision and was crumbled in some places. The leathery skin was torn in places and was a few millimetres thick. Fungal remains could be seen between the dried folds and the nail was loose. The surface of the skin was damaged in some places, as if mice had bitten into it. The bone felt woody.

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More images of the finger, including an X-ray taken in the 1960s. (Courtesy of ©Gregor Sporri).

Spörri was stunned because the finger’s abnormal size would have meant that its owner must have been at least 5 or 6 metres (16.40 or 19.68 ft) tall. His scepticism led Nagib to show him another object contained in the wooden box: a leather folder containing several documents. Inside the folder was a certificate of authenticity, some papers with Arabic and Latin letters, a Polaroid photograph of the finger and an X-ray taken in the 1960s. The farmer’s son did some research through a friend at the hospital in Cairo. When Spörri compared the finger to the X-ray he could see that the proportions and shape were correct and that the X-ray was of the finger he was holding.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.