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Powder puff, velour/plush with ribbon hand-strap

Object/Artifact

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.

2025.1.133

Used in the Arús Caraballo household.

The Cabrera Arús family collection

2025.1

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.

Fair

Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez

Havana

Cuba

Caribbean

Central America

use

The powder puff was a standard accessory of mid-20th-century cosmetic practice, used with loose face or body powder.