During the British expeditionto Benin City (Edo) in 1897 objects made of brass, bronze, ivory, coral, and wood were looted by British soldiers from the royal palace, its storerooms, and compounds. Some of these objects were sold or exchanged in West Africa. However, many were brought to the UK where they were retained by soldiers of the expeditionand subsequently inherited by thier families; put up for auction; or donated, lent, or sold to museums. See Collection File: Af1897,-.498-563.
Staff of office; lost-wax cast brass. Long narrow blade riveted onto long handle. Pair of back-to-back figures at top and bottom of handle. Shaft between them has three decorated rectangular sections. Blade decorated front and back with incised guilloche patterns and stippling. Lower figures wear patterned skirts, coral bead necklace and distinctive headdresses with bulbous tops. Hold sword in right proper hand. Upper figures wear similar clothing and accessories; hold eben sword in right proper hand and horn or rattle staff in other.
Such staffs, called 'assan errie', are carried by representatives of the Oba while on official business. The figures on the staff represent chiefs paying homage to the Oba.
Exhibited: 1970-1973, London, Museum of Mankind, Divine Kingship in Africa 1991 Feb-Apr, Norwich, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Man and Metal in Ancient Nigeria