Second Taiwanese Aboriginal Sword for discussion

[RSWORD]

Here is the second of three examples. What I find interesting about all 3 is that while they have some similiarities, they all have differences. All three have different forms of ancestors and different types of scabbard decoration. If all 3 are Paiwanese, does this suggest that these pieces took on a very personal design and that is why you find this kind of variety or are we looking at pieces from different tribes?

This example has a single ancestor figure on each side of the handle, so it shows a full body view versus just the head. The handle has a nice glossy patina and it appears to have been painted red at one time but all of that has since worn off. The snake on the scabbard is different than the first example but has very nice details along the back. You have alternating triangle chequered sections to imitate the patterns found on some snake. The reverse of the scabbard has the lower half covered in a piece of metal, with lots of faces. However, these faces are better executed than the first example. The heads are cut out more and the details are more precise than on the first example. A final interesting feature is a metal band that is below the wood box on the scabbard. What is the purpose of this box on each scabbard? That metal band seems to have some purpose. The metal has been cut out but I can't make it out. Is it calligraphy? Is it symbolic?

The blade on this one is like the first one. Slightly hollow ground on one side, beveled on the opposite side and evidence that the blade has an inserted edge. Lots of pictures to follow to add to the discussion.