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. 

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ContributorsSteele, A.T. (Photographer)
Description

E48. The Father and brother of the Dalai Lama.

ContributorsSteele, A.T. (Photographer)
Created1944
DescriptionThe bronze lion in foreground was a present, many years ago from one of the emperors of China.
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ContributorsSteele, A.T. (Photographer)
Created1944
Description

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.

41577-Thumbnail Image.jpg
ContributorsSteele, A.T. (Photographer)
Created1944
Description

Pilgrims and officials leaving Dalai Lama's summer palace in Jewel Park, Lhasa after receiving his blessing.