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SLATE + SALT

Recycled Bombshell Choker

$42 USD
Color: BLACK

Turning war into peace, these statement chokers carry a meaningful message and give back to a community once devastated by bombing. With a very long cord, they can be worn multiple ways. Material: Recycled aluminum bomb parts, micro fiber suede cord + metal tip.

  • Material: Recycled aluminum bomb parts
  • Measurements: 1.25" Pendant + 55"cord
  • Colors: Choice of black or tan cord
  • Handmade with love in Laos
  • As with all handcrafted goods, there are slight variations making each piece a work of art and truly one of a kind.

Artisan Profile

Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. From 1963-1973, Laos became an unwitting pawn during the Second Indochinese War. During this time, the US Air Force dropped a planeload of cluster bombs every eight minutes for nine consecutive years. Right after the war, villagers began gathering aluminum from exploded bombs and made it into spoons. The villagers were taught this skill by a family that relocated to Ban Naphia from Houaphan Province, further north. In the early days, five families produced the recycled bomb spoons. Today, there are approximately 13 families producing more than 150,000 spoons per year from war and non-war scrap aluminum. Production has expanded to include bracelets, earrings, and pendants.

SLATE + SALT works with artisans in Ban Naphia located in the Xieng Khuang Province who source aluminum from airplane parts and bombs dropped throughout Laos during the Secret War (Vietnam War) in the 1960s. The community which produces the recycled bomb products have all been trained by Helvetas, a Swiss NGO, on how to handle the metals safely, including smelting and cleaning the aluminum before use.

It is important to note that of all the bombs dropped in Laos, 30% did not explode. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of villagers in rural Lao. In their search for scrap metal, many villagers encounter UXO and suffer catastrophic injuries. The generous spirit and ingenuity of Lao artisans is evident in this collection of recycled bomb products. War and persistent air raids in the 1960s left the countryside littered with bomb and metal shrapnel. The remnants of this legacy have been transformed into emblems of peace.
About the Brand

"SLATE + SALT's mission is to bring you a curated collection of modern, one-of-a-kind pieces while preserving traditional techniques and supporting the Fair Trade movement. We work closely with small social enterprises to facilitate dignified working opportunities in areas of extreme poverty. We encourage you to explore other cultures and traditions in a socially conscious way.

What you wear and how you chose to shop says a lot about who you are. As a socially conscious buyer you are positively impacting the world by enabling rural artisans in underdeveloped nations to support their families and continue to live in their own communities. When you purchase ethically produced goods you are helping to break the cycle of poverty by supporting programs that empower women entrepreneurs and educate children. Fair trade restores dignity to the artisans and assists women to become role models to their communities. The economic empowerment gives them the opportunity to stay in their villages and they will be less likely to migrate to urban areas. All products you purchase have an impact on the social change of our world."
Care Instructions

Remove before showering, swimming, or exercise. Wipe with a soft dry cloth and store in a pouch to prevent scratching. Keep away from perfume and lotion.
Shipping & Returns

FREE Exchanges & enjoy free shipping on all USA orders over $100! For orders under $100, a shipping fee of $9.95 will apply. Returns are subject to a $10 shipping fee that we'll deduct from your refund. Please start your exchange or return by logging into your account in the top right corner. All non-shoe items on sale & shoes under $75 are final sale. We're a small company that measures its success in work provided to artisan partners, not in the money we make (which is $0). We try to provide as much information and opportunities to ask questions before purchasing as possible, please reach out!
Color: BLACK

Product information

"SLATE + SALT's mission is to bring you a curated collection of modern, one-of-a-kind pieces while preserving traditional techniques and supporting the Fair Trade movement. We work closely with small social enterprises to facilitate dignified working opportunities in areas of extreme poverty. We encourage you to explore other cultures and traditions in a socially conscious way.

What you wear and how you chose to shop says a lot about who you are. As a socially conscious buyer you are positively impacting the world by enabling rural artisans in underdeveloped nations to support their families and continue to live in their own communities. When you purchase ethically produced goods you are helping to break the cycle of poverty by supporting programs that empower women entrepreneurs and educate children. Fair trade restores dignity to the artisans and assists women to become role models to their communities. The economic empowerment gives them the opportunity to stay in their villages and they will be less likely to migrate to urban areas. All products you purchase have an impact on the social change of our world."