"The stepped pyramid design, also known as stepped cross or crenellation patterns, was a basic element in the decorative artwork of the southern areas. It was commonly used on pottery, woven textiles, jewelry, metalwork at the end of the 4th/early 3rd millennium at Namazga, Sarazm, and Helmand sites (Mundigak, Shahr-i Sokhta, and Rud-i Biyaban), and even recognized in a wall painting from the early 3rd millennium palace at Tal-i Malyan in Fars. The same design has been identified on 5% of the ceramic decoration of the Sintashta and Potapovka ceramic tradition. This is possibly among the earliest evidence of southern influence and movement of goods to the north. It subsequently became a standard design element also on Petrovka and Andronovo pottery. It has been suggested that the design was conveyed to the northern steppes on textiles, possibly one of the commodities exchanged for metal."