Initially, the core of what would become the Lunda confederation was a commune called a N'Gaange in the kiLunda (kiyaka-kipunu) language.

[2] Perpetual kingship was practised, whereby the king 'became' his predecessor, adopting his name, kinship relations, and duties.

[3]: 569  The royal centre of the empire was called musumba, where each ruler assembled their court, surrounded by a moat and earthen walls.

[4]: 194 Lunda started in an area where traditional farming and thus settled existence was only generally done in river valleys.

In its early history Lundu struggled primarily with the Luba-speaking people who lived downriver, and thus north of it.

These people are sometimes referred to with names such as Sala Mpusa or Kete, which make it appear they were organized single states.

[7] Nawej removed his troops from Sala Mpasu in response to an invasion of his territory by forces from the Kingdom of Kanyok.

The kingdom became a confederation of a number of chieftainships that enjoyed a degree of local autonomy (as long as tributes were paid), with Mwata Yamvo as paramount ruler and a ruling council (following the Luba model) to assist with administration.