El Anatsui's La Haji sets new artist record at Bonhams

El Anatsui's La Haji was the lead lot of Bonhams' inaugural sale of African contemporary art in London.

The lot made £146,000 ($225,692), setting a new world record for the artist at auction.

La Haji Bonhams
El Anatsui uses bottle caps and other waste materials in his work

The sale saw a number of records set for other important figures in the African art world, including Nigerian sculptor Peju Alatise and Malian painter Abdoulaye Konat?�.

Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams' head of African art, comments: "The number of world records set today is a clear reflection of the burgeoning interest in the African art market.

"Contemporary African art is the most exciting and dynamic area of the art world right now, and its significance will only continue to grow."

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