Statues are wired to spawn enemies/items by taking a wrench, touching wire to the base, connecting it to a Pressure Plate, switch or lever, and pressing whichever was used (Pressure Plate, Switch or Lever).

What do statues do?

Statues convey and perpetuate honor. Consequently, no matter how important their historical role, villains simply do not merit statues, nor do they merit having their names associated with lakes or streets or schools or military bases.

What do Terraria statues do?

These statues can be wired and activated to spawn enemies, drop items, or teleport a random NPC to their location. ... Statues found in Underground Cabins may be connected to Pressure Plates, and can easily spawn enemies that may kill early game players.