Both ivory and slaves were traded to the Chokwe in exchange for guns prior to European colonization. Since settling into their present location the Luba Kasai have grown more quickly than the Luluwa, at times threatening their sovereignty. Currently, both groups live peacefully in the same area. The men are responsible for clearing the forest and preparing the soil for cultivation. They also hunt, fish with nets, and trap animals in the surrounding forests.
Salt is found in the region and is collected and sold to neighbors to generate income.
At the most basic level, Luluwa society is divided into castes, including nobles, warriors, freemen, foreigners, and domestic slaves. Chiefs are chosen from the noble caste and are responsible for ruling their individual villages. While individual communities are relatively independent, there is a prime minister who oversees a council that is chosen from the heads of various patriclans. They are then responsible for watching over the various community leaders. The ancestors, both mythic and recent, are honored at shrines, while nature spirits connected to the surrounding forests are believed to reside in trees and rocks.