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.
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. ~See complete example of similar staff: Af1897,-.507 and partial staffs: Af1897,-.508 and Af1984,19.608.