PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Reuters) – Each week, Cambodian goldsmith Thoeun Chantha turns about 5 kg of brass casings of AK-47 and M-16 bullets into jewelry.
For greater than 20 years, the 42-year-old, whose father was killed throughout Cambodia’s years of warfare, has run a workshop to show symbols of violence into what he calls wearable items of artwork.
“I am a sufferer of the warfare as a Cambodian who misplaced members of the family in it and now the world is at warfare too,” he stated.
“I make this to point out that the world would not need warfare … all of us need peace.”
The bullets are collected from taking pictures ranges and army coaching grounds across the capital, Phnom Penh.
These deemed secure are melted and poured right into a cylindrical mould earlier than being cooled in a bucket of water.
The metallic is then formed by hand into intricate bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings to be offered for $5 to $20 a bit at markets well-liked with vacationers.
Reporting by Chantha Lach and Juarawee Kittisipla; Modifying by Kanupriya Kapoor
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