Polycarp...

I think Polycarp was just used to set the scene in the first chapter in a more 'unusual' way (this is the first book I've read that talks about 'irrelevent' little statues like Polycarp). It could also be used in a very subtle way to display the inhumanity of Herr Resch as he plainly disregarded the live of Friedrich, a HUMAN, but treated Polycarp, a DEAD / NON-LIVING THING, with great care.
Sorry I sent so late. Did not have much time to do this before now.