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"Bebyto" baby talcum powder container
Object/Artifact
A cylindrical baby-powder container of printed paperboard with a metal base (rusting) and a paperboard lid (a fitted cap, here torn). The body is printed in pink and blue on a cream ground: a line-drawn rabbit mascot wearing shorts and holding a striped balloon, stylized flowers, the product name "Bebyto" in blue script within a banner reading "TALCO BORATADO," the "Suchel" maker's signature, "HECHO EN CUBA," and use directions stating that it protects against diaper rash (salpullido) and other skin irritations and is to be used after bathing and diaper changes. The container retains its contents (talc) and shows heavy soiling and staining.
2025.1.167
Gertrudis Caraballo Gález, the owner of this container, used it to store small pieces of soap (to later use for laundry).
These containers of baby powder were sold with a ration card given to expecting mothers as part of the "canastilla". It is possible that they were also available through the parallel market. The empty can was frequently reused as a hair roller.
The Cabrera Arús family collection
2025.1
Suchel
circa 1973
1970s
Cuba
Caribbean
Central America
Bebyto
Date: circa 1970s–1980s (tentative).
Inscription
front of the container
Talco Boratado Bebyto Protege contra el salpullido y otras irritaciones de la piel. Usar despues del baño y cambio de pañal
Spanish
Borate Talc Bebyto Protects against rash and other skin irritations. Use after bath and diaper-change
"Bebyto"; "TALCO BORATADO"; "Suchel" (script signature); "HECHO EN CUBA"; use directions (protects against diaper rash and skin irritation; use after bath and diaper change). No legible date/batch code.
diameter: 7, height, 11.5
11.5 cm
7 cm
canister, cap
Paper
Cardboard
tin
Materials: Paperboard tube and lid; metal base (ferrous, rusting); printing inks (pink, blue); contents = talc with borate (borated talc / boric acid). Technique: Spiral- or seam-wound paperboard canister with crimped metal base and friction-fit paperboard lid; flexographic/offset surface printing.
Fair
Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez
owner
Havana
Cuba
Caribbean
Central America
ownership
"Talco Boratado" = borated talc (talc with boric acid), a then-common infant-powder formulation marketed against diaper rash; both boric acid (toxicity) and talc (inhalation/asbestos concerns) are now treated as hazards — see Condition.