Looms are symbols of artistic skill, cultural maintenance and universal female traditions. This loom was originally made at Merbeka Displaced Persons Camp, Germany, for Latvian weaver Elga Kivicka. It was made from timber found in the camp or retrieved from nearby bomb sites. Brought to Australia by Karlis Gulbergs, the loom was purchased by Anna Apinis in 1970. It is similar to the loom Anna brought to Australia, on which her daughter Anita learned to weave.