Cambodian goldsmith turns bullets into art to promote peace

Every week, Thoeun Chantha, a goldsmith from Cambodia, crafts jewelry from approximately five kilograms of brass casings that once contained bullets from AK-47 and M-16 rifles. For more than two decades, the 42-year-old, whose father was killed during Cambodia’s years of war, has run a workshop to turn symbols of violence into what he calls wearable pieces of art.

“I’m a victim of the war as a Cambodian who lost family members in it and now the world is at war too. I make this to show that the world doesn’t want war … we all want peace,” he added.

The bullets are collected from shooting ranges and military training grounds around the capital, Phnom Penh. Those deemed safe are melted and poured into a cylindrical mould before being cooled in a bucket of water.

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