Gods and goddesses in ancient Mesopotamia were embodied in statues that were brought to ‎live through mouth-opening and mouth-washing rituals. Subsequently, the deities required ‎daily nourishment, and it was the temple’s obligation to provide this care. The ritual ‎presentation of foods could only be performed by a select group of ritually pure temple ‎officials, which, in early Mesopotamia, also included women. A closer look at this daily ritual ‎thus offers fascinating perspectives on Mesopotamian religious beliefs and practices.‎