From war to peace: Cambodian goldsmith turns bullet casings into jewelry

PHNOM PENH – Every week,CambodiangoldsmithThoeun Chanthaturnsabout five kilograms of brasscasingsof AK-47 and M-16bullets into jewelry.

For more than two decades, the 42-year-old, whose father was killed during Cambodia’s years ofwar, has run a workshop to turn symbols of violence into what he calls wearable pieces of art.

“I’m a victim of thewaras aCambodianwho lost family members in it and now the world is atwartoo,” he said.

“I make this to show that the world doesn’t wantwar… we all wantpeace.”

Thebullets are collectedfromshooting ranges and military training grounds around the capital, Phnom Penh.

Those deemed safe are melted and poured into a cylindrical mo…

Keep on reading: From war to peace: Cambodian goldsmith turns bullet casings into jewelry