When a large offering or reconstruction was made to a temple or monastery often the donor would cast an image in their likeness in metal or stone (salika). These two images are dressed in traditional Malla dress of the 18th century and are intended to represent Malla nobles or courtiers. It was the custom for a donor, no matter what his society status, to portray him or herself in noble or court garb when commissioning a donor image or salika. The lamp in the front of each image contained oil and a wick, and was thus an offering of light to the deity.