These metal menorahs help artisans in Cambodia and India

The Cambodian artisans who crafted the bird family menorah have created not only a cute menorah, but possibly one of the cutest things ever.

The menorah, which is sold at Ten Thousand Villages, 7947 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park, was made with recycled metal nuts and screws to look like a mama bird with her eight babies lined up behind her.

The artisans are part of the Rajana Association, which provides skills training, fair-trade wages and courses in accounting, marketing, English and computers. The group’s mission is to rebuild Cambodia’s rich cultural traditions, many of which were damaged during the country’s wars.

The bicycle chain menorah, also from Ten Thousand Villages, was created by artisans in Moradabad, India. They were trained by Noah’s Ark International Exports to use alternative materials after the price of traditional metals skyrocketed in recent years.

Most of the artisans of Noah’s Ark are women who work out of their homes. They are provided with education and medical treatment for themselves and their families. About 20 independent artisan groups have thrived and spun off from Noah’s Ark since it began in 1986.

This story was originally published November 21, 2014 at 6:00 AM with the headline "These metal menorahs help artisans in Cambodia and India."