A.T. "Arch" Steele Photographs
In 1939, A.T. "Arch" Steele, an American foreign correspondent for the Chicago Daily News who was living in China, traveled to the Kumbum Monastery in Northern Tibet to see the 4 year old child from Amdo who was being examined for signs as proof of his claim to the throne of Tibet as the fourteenth Dalai Lama. In 1944, Arch was granted a passport to Lhasa to again visit with the now enthroned fourteenth Dalai Lama, who was then 9 years old.
These photographs were taken by Steele in 1939 at the Kumbum Monastery and in 1944 during his travels to Lhasa; they were subsequently donated to the Center for Asian Studies at Arizona State University in Tempe.
The monk on left is the Lord Chamberlain, who handles the Dalai Lama's personal affairs and is one of the most influential monks in Tibet.
Pilgrims and officials leaving Dalai Lama's summer palace in Jewel Park, Lhasa after receiving his blessing.
Delegation with gifts for the Dalai Lama entering Dalai Lama's throne room in Jewel Park, Lhasa.
Monks and pilgrims entering Dalai Lama's throne room to receive his blessing, Jewel Park, Lhasa.