Ridiculous prices for African reproductions that are cracked, broken and faded. Thinks Americans have never been to Africa so they have no idea what these tourist pieces are really worth. She tried to charge me $200,000.00 American dollars for a painting I've seen in many African shops for $100.00. You can get better deals many other places. read more

The older black lady was initially welcoming. Then she stated we couldn't record and stated sign was outside the door. I politely walked out with my black dollars that I have planned on spending there! so hard to support on especially black are the read more

Mama Rose was amazing. I went here on a whim looking for ready to wear Ankara clothing for my daughter. She had a great selection of clothing for boys and girls ages 1 and up. read more

Went in just to grab some cocoa butter straight from the Motherland and Mama Rose (she's the sweetest) hooked me up with this divine smelling lemongrass whipped shea butter jaint. Can't wait for summertime chi, cuz for those two long weeks imma be the best smelling dude on the 'sowphside. There's some treasures in there too. Once I make some money, I'm coming back to buy some art! read more

I was looking for a specific Christmas gift for my son. They offered to track one down for me. Great service and a beautiful store

I love this place. It is funky and neat and full of treasures. I like shopping for special, one of a kind gifts for Afrocentric people at this place. Sister Rose, the owner, is sweet and very talkative. If you speak Swahili she will be happy to talk with you. There are a variety of shirts, soaps and incense also and the African artwork is world class. Not a place for anybody that is not into Black culture but a good experience for any and everybody open-minded. If you like to collect art pieces you will love the selection of statues, masks and African instruments that are sold throughout the year. A special place for Kwanzaa shopping come winter. Check this place out next time you are seeking an ethnic experience in Hyde Park! Asante... read more

Sister Rose's shop is full of items from Africa and beyond. I purchase some really nice carvings from there and a pair of beautiful earrings. Her prices are reasonable and she is sure to give you a kind word when you enter the store. I love supporting businesses near where I live because I feel as though my support is keeping them there. Only downside is she doesn't have a credit card machine. Have to take case for the moment. read more

I was traveling from Atlanta to Chicago with my wife and usually collect African artifacts MASKS in particular when we travel. After a somewhat long journey into Hyde park I came across Kilimanjaro International. Momma Rose took special care with me and my wife to help us with the purchase a great mask from Mali in Africa. If you go to Chicago or live near and you are looking for any kind of African goods or Artifacts and you don't go see Momma Rose then you are missing out on a great shop and experience. read more

I love this shop! It has a wide variety of unique African & African American art, clothing. jewelry and handmade goods. Additionally, my first visit was amazing thanks to Mama Rose (owner) whose kindness and expertise was much appreciated! I love everything I bought. There is also a card machine now!!!! read more

A real Hyde Park gem. Mama Rose has curated the most wonderful array of clothes, jewelry and art - I'd spend my entire paycheck here if I could! Mama Rose is also herself a gem - full of wisdoms, stories and kindness. Drop by if you're in the area, it'll be well worth your time. read more

The woman who owns and runs this shop is strange, but harmless. This shop is filled with genuine African imports and "Africanesque" or Afrocentric items. Somewhat random selection, but well within the African theme. Shops like these are rare outside of urban centers, so if you're visiting Hyde Park from a distant locale, you may wish to check it out and perhaps pick up a unique item or two. This shop is situated on a street with limited parking, so go by foot if you can. read more

My one stop shop for authentic African apparel. Everything is imported directly from Africa. The owner is a very sweet woman and very knowledgeable about African culture. The prices are also very affordable. read more

I found this store very warm and inviting. The owner greeted us with Happy Kwanzaa and she said we should say Nia in response. We came to get red, black and green candles. We ended up buying necklaces as well. The prices are reasonable and the wares are authentic. I told the owner I would come back and buy a dress. Great store! read more

I preferred this store with the old owner (may he rest in peace). They have great items but the lady who runs it can be very mean. I chalk it up to her not being from here and as a previous yelper said she is harmless. I would still buy African items from here because their product is still just as good :) read more

I love this store and I stop in all the time. The wide variety of art, crafts, and goods are a lot of fun to browse through and provide very cool opportunities for spicing up any home. Stopping in here is more of an experience than a shopping trip and it is the perfect quick and interesting addition to any activity in Hyde Park. Mama Rose has to be the friendliest shop owner in Hyde Park. She is attentive, knowledgeable and generous and she is delightful to talk to. Don't be scared away by the locked door, just knock and someone will let you in. read more

Great experience. The shop owner is polite and sells quality products. Make sure to stop by. Prices are worth it.

Momma Rose treated me like the quirky artist that I am! She was very nice, but wasn't rushing me to buy something. She also offers a nice discount or asks you to name your price. She has tons of things that can catch your eye such as: African masks, necklaces, incense, and candles. However, my favorite item is a wise man's cane that she has in the center of her store. If you live in Chicago, or are a tourist, please stop by this store. You will be very pleased! read more

I had the pleasure of visiting this store on my very first trip to Chicago...it was truly an experience meeting Mama Rose and listening to her stories. She is full of knowledge about our history,my purchases were one of a kind, I will definitely go back the next time I'm in town. Thanks Mama Rose..Dawn from Trinidad :) read more

Wow... Sister Rosa is amazing. She is a lovely Kenyan artist and Women's Right's activist. Much of the proceeds from your purchases go to NGOs that work for construction of schools for young girls in Kenya (as an anthropologist, I am suspicious of NGOs, but the ones she is involved in are legitimate). She works hard and takes pride in her history, culture and ethnicity. That said, many of the artworks are from around the world (but mostly from the African continent). Do not expect to buy Bob Marley posters and tie-dye shirts (although there is one Bob Marley painting). Her art is unique, authentic and carries the very essence of the love, culture, sweat and pride that is part of the handmade works in her store. Furthermore, her store practically a museum. She will educate you, take you around the store, tell you where the artifacts and objects d'art come from and tell you stories of her people and those of other African nations. I went in to just "check it out," and ended up with a Makonde painted stool (for an incredible bargain) and also a Ghana mask for free (because she said it needed to come be with me). What an amazing spirit. Lively and passionate woman? Yes. Kooky? No. You have to accept the culture of the African continents and her own cultural roots which makes her the exceptional person she is. As a "white UC student," she never treated me like an Other, nor gave me any cold shoulder. Her wit, charm and cultural heritage makes the store what it is: a hidden space of magic in Hyde Park (because yes, African artifacts are imbued with magic, spirituality and a sense of self that is being passed along to you). Go there and enjoy!!! Don't forget (this is the anthropologist in me): many of the atrocities and conflicts throughout Africa are due to colonialism. I think we (as Americans, Europeans) owe this to these artists and NGOs to "make it right." read more