Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-24247569-20131219142513/@comment-6003396-20131220031204

It was stated by developers that they were added to the game to provide a clear indication that the player would receive an ember, which is why they all look the same. It's not as interesting, I know, but they are little more than vessels.

Interview is here

"But there are still those statues that look like [Andre] around the game world aren't there?"

Miyazaki: "Yes they are aren't they. but I don't think they are related, they're simply vessels which hold the embers."