At 52 W 116th St in Harlem, the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market is a semi-enclosed marketplace run by the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque. Its stalls carry African textiles, clothing, jewelry, masks, wood carvings, drums, beauty products and other artisan goods. Browse mudcloth and wax-print fabrics, or ask vendors about the pieces they sell. The market is compact, and the number of open stalls can vary, so weekdays and Saturdays are better times to find a fuller selection than Sundays.
A market beside the mosque
The Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market is at 52 W 116th St in Harlem. It is a semi-enclosed marketplace run by the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque, whose history is linked to Malcolm X, the Muslim orator who preached there. The market's entrance has a mosque-like design, and its stalls bring together African goods and crafts in a small space.
The market also sits within Harlem's history of African shopping. Its clothing, textiles and costume jewelry connect everyday browsing with the garments and crafts associated with African cultures. Some goods are aimed at tourists, and the stalls can include items that are not authentic African products, so ask about an item's origin if that matters to your purchase.
What to browse
Textiles are among the market's main draws. Look for mudcloth and West African wax-print fabrics, as well as clothing and tailoring. Other stalls sell jewelry, fans, masks, leather goods, wood carvings, woven baskets, drums and sculptures. Shea butter, black soap, oils and other beauty products add to the selection.
The stalls vary in size and stock. Some specialize in fabric or jewelry, while others carry a dense mix of small goods and art. Vendors can explain what they sell, so a conversation can help you understand a material or choose among similar pieces. For masks, compare examples across stalls and ask about their provenance; age and origin are not always clear.
Choosing a time to visit
The market is open daily, but the number of vendors can differ by day. Saturdays and weekdays tend to have more stalls trading, while some vendors take Sundays off. If you want the widest choice, plan for a weekday or Saturday rather than relying on a Sunday visit.
The compact layout makes it easy to browse without setting aside a full day. Prices are described as reasonable, but goods vary by seller and item. Decide what you want to spend before you start looking, and ask questions before settling on a purchase.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market?
It is at 52 W 116th St in Harlem, New York City, beside the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque.
What can you buy at the market?
Stalls sell textiles, clothing, jewelry, masks, wood carvings, drums, baskets, beauty products and other artisan goods. Fabric and tailoring are also available.
When is the best time to visit?
Try a weekday or Saturday for a fuller selection of open stalls. Some vendors take Sundays off.
How long should you spend at the market?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to browse the compact marketplace.
