Then Moses brought out all the staffs from before YHWH to all the people of Israel. And they looked, and each man took his staff.
Numbers 17:9 #korach

A man's staff, like his mantle, banner, and signet ring, was a recognized symbol of his house and authority. It would have been uniquely marked so that everyone would know it was his. The staffs of the tribal chieftains probably held carved texts and symbols associated with their tribes and clans, possibly paints and inlays as well.