Bonhams has announced a rare appearance on the market of one of Ben Enwonwu's best-known sculptural subjects: Anyanwu, the figure of the "awakening" that became a symbol of Nigeria's independence era. The sculpture will be offered at the auction house's New Bond Street location in London on 21 October 2026, with a published estimate of £500,000 to £800,000. The importance of Anyanwu extends well beyond its auction estimate. Its provenance connects the present work to Enwonwu's own family, and its symbolism links it directly to Nigeria's emergence as an independent nation. The work's United Nations history adds another dimension: in 1966, only six years after independence, Nigeria presented a version of Anyanwu to the UN, embedding the sculpture in the country's diplomatic and cultural identity. The upcoming sale therefore brings together art-market interest and a significant chapter in Nigeria's cultural history. Enwonwu (1917–1994), widely regarded as the father of Nigerian modernism, is one of the most internationally collected African modern artists, and his sculptural works rarely come to market. The rarity of the present cast makes it notable within the African art market, where international attention continues to focus on modern African masters and their intersection with cultural identity and national history. The sale forms part of Bonhams' broader autumn program of 20th and 21st century art in London, alongside its 15 October evening sale. With estimates for Anyanwu starting at half a million pounds, the result will be watched as a barometer of demand for top-tier modern African art — a sector that has seen steady growth in institutional and private interest but where trophy-level sculpture remains scarce at auction.