

Honoring Our Relatives
Christopher James Rowland is an oil painter, sculptor, composer, musician, poet, and inventor from the Cheyenne Nation (Só'taeo'o and Tsitsistas).
His Cheyenne name Ma'heonehoo'estse translates to "He Who is in the Holy Place" and "Holy Fire Man."
Ma'heone grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, located in east-central Montana. He began drawing and painting as a young child at every opportunity. His love for art and his powerful vision soon turned into a passion that pulsated in his heart.
Ma'heone's artwork is shown around the world and in many collections. His paintings echo his love of history, perseverance and spirit of his culture, and faith in his Creator.
As a composer, he mixes centuries-old, Northern Cheyenne modalities and twentieth-century, neo-classical influences, shaped into new compositions. He enjoys sharing the sounds of his Native flute and is in the process of recording his third album.
"My intention as an artist has always been to convey a reality found in the illusion. The challenge for me is to 'see' how colors induce emotion within the human spirit and to bring that to my canvas for the viewer. I believe that music is the reformed spirit of the soul; it must intercede within the realm of graphic interpretation, and is therefore a very important part of my creative process. I am quick to see that I am only a student in this veritable plane of inspiration, a child from the beginning."
With his immense dedication to his art, skill, and culture, Ma'heone is a story teller of the past and of what is yet to come.
Links
- Navajo Times
- QAWAQ Magazine
- UVA Arts & Sciences "UVA Flute Ensemble with Special Guest Christopher Rowland"
- Big Sky Journal "Bridging Worlds: The Art of Christopher Rowland"
- Montana Tribal Relations Report "The Art of Cooperation"
- MPR (Montana Public Radio) Interview
- Helena Independent Record "Artist's work inspired by history of Northern Cheyenne"
- Helena Independent Record "Voice for the Cheyenne"
© Ma'heonehoo'estse, 2025.