This Chokwe royal couple probably dates from the mid to late 1800s. It reflects the new political power of Chokwe chiefs as they systematically reclaimed their royal lineage from the Lunda, while at the same time acknowledging their Lunda origins and relations. The royal figures evoke the presence of Chibinda Ilunga and Lweji. Chibinda Ilunga was celebrated by the Chokwe and Lunda as a civilizing cultural hero who introduced the Luba concept of sacred kingship, as well as new customs and technologies. Lweji, also a historical character and the first female Lunda chief, completes a model of gender interdependency that is still at the generative core of most rituals, ceremonies and social or cultural undertakings.

The male figure also metaphorically stands for the presence of powerful Chokwe chiefs who established their spheres of political influence throughout vast areas of the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, most of northeastern, central and southern Angola and in parts of northwestern Zambia. The crown on the male chief figure imitates the chipenya mutwe type worn by important chiefs.

The chief figure holds two smaller figurines, one male and one female. These are sometimes interpreted as ancestors and bearers of the royal lineage. They are also viewed as "portraits" of a chief and his wife held by the male royal ancestor who is accompanied by his wife.