For over 20 years, Thoeun Chantha, a orphan turned goldsmith, has given a second life to AK-47 and M-16 bullets by repurposing their brass castings into handcrafted jewelry.
Thoeun's family has been killed in Pol Pot regime in the 70s. As a child, he was sent to an orphanage center that provided him with some vocational trainings. There, he learned to become a goldsmith.
His family background has motivated to believe and try to live in peace. "I make this to show that the world doesn't want war ... we all want peace." said Chantha. So, making brass jewelry and home goods from empty bullet castings is a way to express himself.
He has produced many impressive brass goods for renown designers as well as celebrities including Angelina Jolie.
Thoeun has also trained many underprivileged teenagers as well as adults to be brass craftsmen, providing them with a stable income.
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