Two Tibetan women wearing traditional striped aprons, elaborate headdresses and abundant jewellery. Original Publication: From a photograph by Shephard. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1910

A Tibetan grandfather begs for alms or food for his family in a scene from an unknown film. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1925

Monks using woodwind instruments to sound midday on a rooftop at the Potala Palace, Lhasa, official residence of the Dalai Lama. (Photo by Obrazove Zpravobajstvi/Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1955

A young member of the Tibetan aristocracy dressed from head to toe in ornate jewellery and ceremonial clothing. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1925

A young Tibetan girl in traditional dress, her hair plaited into 108 braids, or as close as possible, to represent the 108 volumes of Tibetan holy book the Kan Djur. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1950

Tibetan monks playing long trumpets at the Festival of Kanchenjunga in Tibet. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). 2nd April 1959

Two men dressed in elaborate Tibetan costume with head dresses, embroidered coats and pointed slippers. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1900

Three women from Sikkim, the northern Indian state which borders with Tibet, wearing traditional clothing. (Photo by Dr Ulrich Mohr/Keystone/Getty Images). 2nd April 1959

Lama dancers and musicians who took part in a pageant in Calcutta in honor of the Prince of Wales' visit to the city. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). January 1922