[1][2] It dates from 460 to 479 CE, and the images represent two different Huna tribes, suggesting a period of peaceful coexistence between the Kidarites and the Alchons.

[3][4][5] The bowl represents a groups of four noble figures on horse, in the process of hunting animals.

Despite its former attribution to the "Hephthalites", hence its long-standing name, the bowl is thought to represent two Kidarite noble hunters wearing their characteristic crowns, and two Alchons, with their characteristic skull deformation, one of the Alchons reappearing in portrait inside a medallion at the bottom of the bowl.

[5] This understanding of the iconography of the Hephthalite silver bowl is the result of a general scholarly consensus.

[9][10][11] The man in the medallion at the bottom of the Chilek bowl has a clearly elongated skull, characteristic of the Alchons Huns.