A classic piece to add to any jewelry collection. The Classic Bangle is handcrafted in Laos from recycled military grade aluminum. The metal is a combination of bombs, plane parts, and other aluminum scrap metal from the Vietnam War era.

Laos is the most bombed country on earth and the legacy of the war remains. This purchase will help support de-mining efforts and artisan rural livelihoods in Laos.

The Details

Standard bangle size- 2.5''/ 65mm diameter

The Cause

A full-time artisan is able to financially support his whole family when they receive fair wages and safe environments to work in. A MILLION ELEPHANTS donates 10% of profits annually to an NGO in Laos.

Between 1964 and 1973, Laos suffered heavy bombings, in what is other words known as "America's Secret War". As part of America’s strategy against communism, American air force dropped an average of one attack every eight minutes for nine years, making Laos the most heavily bombed country in history per capita.
A Million Elephants works with 2 families in the village, providing them with a secondary income after the rice harvest
season.

A MILLION ELEPHANTS works with many different artisans all across Laos. Many of the handwoven textiles and silk products are made in northern Luang Prabang or Vientiane, while our recycled UXO products are only made in a small rural village called Ban Naphia in the Xieng Khuang province. Our jungle vine products are made by the Khmu, an indigenous group in the northern provinces of Oudomxay and Bokeo. All products are handmade using traditional skills and techniques that have been passed on for generations.

The Woman

Brittany lives in a small town in Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a mixed family with a Laotian father, she has always had a desire to connect with her cultural roots. She had her first visit to Laos in January 2017 when she was 26 years old and immediately felt a connection with the people and environment. One evening at a night market in Luang Prabang, she met a child selling handicrafts made from war shrapnel. This single encounter with a child the same age as her own son, sparked and inspired the idea behind A MILLION ELEPHANTS.

The Brand

A million elephants creates opportunities for Lao artisans to earn supplementary income while at the same time contributing to the growing cultural awareness of Laos.

They work with artisans in various villages to create items for the socially conscious. They believe that trade should have a conscience and artisans should receive fair value for their work. Maximizing profits at the expense of other people and our planet is not their philosophy.

Shop A Million Elephants products here

The Values

Learn more about our values here.