Margarita Primas, a pioneering figure in European prehistoric archaeology and member of the UISPP's Honorary Committee, passed away on February 28th, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in 1935, she was a long-standing member of UISPP and one of the most eminent authorities in later European prehistory. Primas broke new ground as one of the first female professors at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Arts and one of the first women to hold a chair in prehistoric archaeology anywhere in Europe. Her trailblazing career paved the way for a new generation of prehistorians, culminating in the establishment of the Department of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology at the University of Zurich.
Primas's career was marked by significant contributions to our understanding of Alpine prehistory. While most of her fieldwork primarily centred on the archaeology of the region between Lake Lucerne and the St. Gotthard Pass, her influence extended far beyond Switzerland. Her wide-ranging studies on cultural contacts across Central Europe demonstrated the breadth of her expertise. Notably, Primas made methodologically important contributions to both funerary and settlement archaeology of the Bronze and Iron Age, further cementing her status as a leading figure in the field.
As a respected mentor, Primas inspired and guided numerous students, opening new paths in prehistoric research. Her legacy is characterized by a pioneering spirit, unwavering dedication to field research, and a profound impact on the study of European prehistory. The enduring influence of her work on our understanding of prehistoric Alpine communities, coupled with the achievements of the many archaeologists she mentored, ensures that Margarita Primas's contributions will continue to shape the field for many years to come.