We call that pyramid form a "tumpal" motif, but really, it is only a tumpal motif when it is used in a border, especially in a border on fabric.
Batik probably came to Jawa & other parts of the Indonesian Archipelago in about the 16th century, and from India. However the pyramid form motif was used in Jawa before that, I'm not certain of how far back its use goes, but it can be found in Majapahit work.
The pyramid form itself can be found in other applications, such as the mound of rice used in slametan & other offerings, and in these other applications it should be thought of as a representation of the meru, which itself is a representation of Mount Kailash, the center of the world, the center of the cosmos and the abode of Siwa.
This pyramid form also relates to the Gunungan, which again is a holy mountain motif, that represents the home of the ancestors whilst waiting for rebirth, & the abode of Siwa. The Gunungan was present in Majapahit.
Then, with the Gunungan, we have a representation of the Tree of Life, when we think of the Gunungan as the Tree of Life, its name becomes "Kayon", the word "Kayon" comes from the root word "Kayu", which means "wood", & of course, trees produce wood.
This whole subject really deserves the attention of an interested academic to produce a nice useful paper. It would not be all that hard to write, all the related info is out there, it only needs to be assembled in one place. All it needs is somebody with the time & sufficient interest to do the job.
Sumukti Sumastuti wrote a paper on the Gunungan, & there is some good information in that, but the entire subject is much broader than that which is covered in her paper.
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