The emu is an unmistakable large brown flightless bird standing roughly two meters tall.

It is important as a source of meat, although it is now fairly uncommon on the Cape. It is also important in material culture and ceremony. For example, its long limb bones may be made into an awl. Its feathers are also used.

Emu figures in certain traditional stories, particularly Emu and Brolga Story. This is an account of a fight between emu and brolga. Emu's wings were wounded and he became flightless.