On almost all the islands 'helpers' of the founding ancestors were also present in the form of statues. Often they were the guardians of the village; usually one of their tasks was to act as leader in time of war. In many villages this 'helper' was regarded as an 'extension' of the founding father. He acted in his name and the deadly powers of the founding father were visible in his image. In the eastern as well as the western islands the statue of the guardian was often erected at the entrance to the village, sometimes together with a statue of his wife.