A lot of speculations have been made about the tools in the vase. We see a shovel respectively a spade, but not a ladle. We see an instrument formed like a right angle, but not a scythe or a right angle. Perhaps it has the function of a pair of compasses, appropriate to fix or survey a certain route. The pair of compasses are the comprehensive symbol of philanthropy, but they are also a hint to the seven free arts. Both tools could be used by a miner or a grave-digger.