Sankofa African & World Bazaar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This spot is owned by a really cool older couple. They go to Africa and import goods back to sell in. their store. Stepping into the back is like walking into a history lesson. The older gentleman has a story for everu single piece in the collection and really enjoys telling you the stories. I spent a very long time just enjoying speaking to him.
But…
My mother did the same thing with art so I know the mark up on these things and THEY CHARGE WAAAAY TOO MUCH… like WAAAAAAAAAAAY too much!!!
Only thing I could afford was nag champa incense…