Name/Title
Powder puff, velour/plush with ribbon hand-strapEntry/Object ID
2025.1.133Description
A round cosmetic powder puff, of the type used to apply face or body powder. It is made of a soft, dense pile fabric (velour, plush, or swansdown-type material) in a cream/off-white color, slightly domed and padded. Across the back runs a flat woven ribbon band, stitched at each side, forming a strap under which the fingers slip to hold and apply the puff. The puff is soiled, discolored, and matted with use — toned to a grayish-tan in places, with darker staining and compression of the pile — consistent with extended use absorbing cosmetic powder and handling. No maker's mark or label is visible.Use
Used in the Arús Caraballo household.Collection
The Cabrera Arús family collectionMade/Created
Notes
Maker
Unidentified. No maker's mark or label present; a mass-produced or possibly hand-finished toiletry article of generic type.
Date
Undetermined. Powder puffs of this form were produced over a long period; nothing on the object fixes a date. Consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century use.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Gertrudis Caraballo GálvezRelated Places
Place
City
HavanaCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaNotes
useResearch Notes
Notes
The powder puff was a standard accessory of mid-20th-century cosmetic practice, used with loose face or body powder.Created By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
February 23, 2026Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
July 17, 2026