The detachable thumb (unknown originator) is a close-up illusion.

First stage
Second stage
The two stages of the detachable thumb illusion

Effect

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The performer appears to remove the end of his own thumb; moving it back and forth along his hand or lifting it up.

Method

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There is no particular secret to this illusion: the performer simply holds out one hand sideways with the palm out and the tip of the thumb folded down behind the hand. Then, they place their other thumb bent so that the tip appears to be connected to the folded-down thumb with the forefinger bent to cover the joint.[1]

See also

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References

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