Nothing can accurately explain this space full of cultural art and wearables. There is a store but the rest of the rambling space is filled with cultural items from various countries in Africa that rival any museum on any shore. The art is meticulously labeled with origin and meaning/purpose. There is art in every space and even a rentable space In Which you can plan events , marriages etc . The store contains items of clothing, jewelry and accessories and is also filled with art. I was speechless with all of the offerings . I meandered while my aunt shopped. It is worthy of a stop here for the museum space whether you plan to shop or not. A lot of the art, once you understand the meanings is not meant to hang within a home as a lot are ceremonial pieces but the historical aspect is amazing. Parking is ample either on street or in a lot across the street. The owners are a delight. read more

I visited for a Free Fall Baltimore Pop Up that included activities, vendors, and food. I had the opportunity to tour the facility. What a gem! The store has all types of cultural options - earrings, soaps, fashion, decors, etc. read more

Sankofa African and World Bazaar - Home Decor Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I've been here twice and have had an okay experience. The owners are an older couple with the woman being from Ghana and her husband being Caucasian. Both really into art and have a great variety and collection. I love coming here for my waist beads. read more

Randomly google searched African and Baltimore to find some traditional gear and found this spot. It was super busy because of the opening of the Black Panther movie. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and patient. The male owner was describing all of the musical instruments to the kids in the store and encouraging them to use them and make music right then. They had a large selection of traditional clothing and the male owner helped me with styles and proper fit. The female owner was very engaging with the other patrons in the store. I found a nice traditional set that I love. I will be back and have already recommended this store to friends. read more

I love this place! If you haven't been, you owe it to yourself to visit! Everything is beautiful and the staff has excellent customer service! read more

I've visited Sankofa several times over the years and I am always satisfied. The owners are great, they know all the repeat customers, and the woman gave me the best skin advice ever...shea butter completely cleared my acne! (before, I was using coconut oil, but every few months I had huge breakouts that would last weeks...but anywho...). I usually get all my shea from here. I love the diff scent infusions, too. I've bought jewelry and a small statue from here too. I plan on going back this week to buy a skirt for a function coming up next month, and will update my review at that time. Just remember that they are closed Sunday and Monday...I always forget...but I'm glad they make sure they take off days for themselves bc running a small business in Baltimore is hard. read more

I visit Sankofa African & World Bazaar every time I come to Baltimore, MD which is at a minimum five times a year. The couple who owns this establishment are darling. She is from Africa (I believe Ghana) and her husband is from Caucasian from NY/NJ. The husband appears to be a collector and admirer of African culture as he can talk with you about each piece of art. The wife is very humble and a delightful woman that is easy to guide you in what you are seeking. With this being said stores like this are rare due to their authenticity, eclectic pieces and cost to gain access to US soil. Thus a higher cost is warranted in my opinion. They also have items made by local artists of Baltimore which I love. I have purchased earring holders, african fabric, incense, magnets and clothing. This place is a great place for a history lesson about African art as many of the facts shared I did not know and I am African American. Love the couple, love the store, do check it out if not to buy bur browse and appreciate culture. read more

Wonderful service and beautiful selection of authentic African clothing. I found just what I needed for my event.

I need an hour a day to fully discover and understand the riches of this lovely store. Linda treated me like family, the tribal art curator is wonderful. What am I doing, I should go back right now... read more

I have seen some African art in my life..........but the collection at Sankofa BEATS them all! The ambiance and the exotic scent, as well as the warm welcome from the couple who own Sanfofa makes you want to come back again and again! It will be my FIRST stop when I get to Baltimore.....................................P.S. they have some AWESOME jewelry too! Peace, Jahmila Rene' read more

Turns out this is one of only TWO places in all of Baltimore where you can get fresh bundles of sage. Wild, but glad I found this place. Awesome textiles and body oils in here too. read more

This place is a staple. It's pricy but you can talk them down. I love how much education they give to customers and how community- oriented they are. Their offerings are good, they don't get too much new stuff, but that's fine because I could spend forever buying one piece at a time based on the price. I get incense, bags, earrings, books, and a few other things from Sankofa. Ms. Ester is a doll and so is her hubby. Good spot, I recommend it. read more

I was in search of an interesting cover up that would take me from the beach to a casual lunch. I found a beautiful caftan style cover up, a dress to wear to a wedding, a casual summer purse and a date night top. Then one owner gave me a discount for being a first time costumer and the other owner (they are a charming couple) offered to commission a handmade dress in the similar style as I'd admired that just didn't fit on top as well as it did on the bottom. Service doesn't get much better than this. To address others' complaints, sure they are a little pricy (I bought a $20 top, $29- caftan, $85 dress that I could wear to a fancy church luncheon or a wedding, and a $20 purse)-- but I prefer to pay for quality, one of a kind, fairly purchased and resold items than go to chain crap stores like "World Market" or "Pier One". Actually, the only thing that was truly pricy was the nice dress... I did see similar handmade rattan baskets in the same price range as "Pier One" on clearance... but, I'd think most people would rather buy from a seller with a personal/ethical touch than places known for sweatshop/child slave labor... or maybe that's just me :). One concern I had was knocking over stuff. I am a klutz! I didn't, but I'd advise folks not to bring small curious children. The store is packed with clothing, art, knickknacks, jewelry, etc. It would be easy to tip over stuff if you tend to be a little clumsy. Luckily most is made of natural wood or metals so you won't be breaking pottery... but still. read more

Cool store, but the owner (an older man) will keep you there forever telling you stories. He made some very offensive comments about people of various faiths. He needs to remember that he is a business man and not someone that I have known for years. DO NOT SHOP HERE! Very over priced. read more

In search of some good ol shea butter in the Baltimore area and I pass by this place. I saw a few beautiful African garments outside so I thought I might be able to end my search. Low and behold, they sell shea butter at very high price. I purchased it anyway and continued browsing. I go to the rear of the store where the masks and clothes were located. I'm approached by a guy who appears to be the owner as he guided me toward the room with statues and masks. I was pretty impressed but the prices were way too high. He began to explain the history and significance of each mask. However, I was really turned off by his comment that "my people (African Americans) do not appreciate our history." Seriously dude!!!! You mean that history your European ancestors robbed from us. The nerve!!!! So he's a white guys married to an African woman, guess he knows it all. I was totally turned off and have no intentions of returning to this establishment. Some people are culturally insensitive and just vomit at the mouth sometimes. read more